The Prime Minister's wife and senior politicians thanked the public for their donations to a charitable initiative that saw hundreds of gifts brought to Castille Square to be distributed to children in need. 

Gifts donated by the public have been laid under a large Christmas tree as part of Rigal b’Imħabba ("A Gift with Love"), an initiative spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s wife Lydia Abela and their daughter Giorgia Mae.

Hundreds of families, children, politicians and personalities left gifts for vulnerable children.

Lydia Abela thanked the public for their generosity. Photo: DOI.

This year’s initiative was organised in collaboration with Magic 91.7 and local councils.

Robert Abela visited the tree on Friday evening, accompanied by his wife Lydia and daughter.

Lydia Abela said she was overwhelmed by the generosity shown and thanked all those who donated.

Due to the strong wind and rain, the presents have been covered in plastic sheets. Photo: Jonathan Borg

She paid tribute to Jake Vella, a young activist who died this year, and noted that his dream of providing food for abandoned animals was being turned into a reality thanks to a Mater Dei initiative.

Abela previously invited families to come together on December 20 for a full day of activities at the so-called Villaġġ tal-Milied fi Pjazza Kastilja.

During the past few days, local councils lit up Christmas trees where residents could leave wrapped presents, which were then transported to Castille Square ready to be distributed to children in need.

Beneficiaries include children in difficult circumstances, including prisoners' children, children in shelters for domestic violence, children of drug victims and children in homes.

Emergency responders turning their hand to different work than usual on Friday evening. Photo: DOI/Alan Saliba.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri and Local Councils parliamentary secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli also attended the Friday evening event.

A Christmas village set up in Castille Square to mark the initiative will remain open until Christmas Eve.