Itma’ u Libbes is the 2021 Lenten campaign organised by the Archdiocese of Malta through the Caritas Parish Diaconia Network, together with Newsbook.com.mt and 103 Malta’s Heart, aimed at alleviating those struggling in strained circumstances. The campaign will fundraise money to pay for healthy meals to be given to those in need, as well as to collect re-usable clothes which are still in very good condition. Both initiatives will be managed in an innovative way, totally different from traditional campaigns fundraising for food and clothing. The dignity of those who will receive this help will be central to this campaign.

Is such a campaign needed?

Data by the National Office of Statistics shows that in 2020 those who are at risk of poverty are a staggering 82,700 persons while a further 40,000 are living in severely deprived conditions. This means that one in every four persons is either poor or only managing to keep their heads above water.

Moved by these figures and constant contact with persons who cannot meet their daily needs, the Archdiocese of Malta and Beacon Media Group, owners of Newsbook.com.mt and 103 Malta’s Heart, have teamed up to campaign for food and clothing for those who cannot afford these daily needs.

Providing daily healthy meals

The general public is invited to contribute by helping to provide vouchers for daily meals for those in need. The meals will be cooked by professional chefs and will include the ingredients needed for a healthy diet.

All it takes is an SMS or a phone call:

  • By donating €11.65 you can feed a child for a week (SMS 50619270)
  • By donating €20 you can feed an elderly couple for 5 days (Phone 51002037)
  • By donating €50 you can feed a family of 4 for 3 days (Phone 51902072)

Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna said that: “We are proud to be working through the Diaconia Network and Newsbook and 103 Malta’s Heart to accomplish the direction given to us by Christ: to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Though this is a Lenten initiative, we hope that through people’s generosity we may continue to relieve the hunger of those in need and to clothe those who find it difficult to make ends meet”.

Re-usable clothing

The address of the places where clothes may be deposited from the this Monday, 8th March, will be announced in the coming days. Re-usable clothes will go through a process of sorting, washing and pressing before being packed and sold. These activities also promote sustainability and environmental friendliness, fulfilling our environmental commitment.

Those in need of clothing will be able to get vouchers for clothing from parishes and diocesan social entities. However, those interested in re-usable clothing may also buy the clothes at extremely affordable prices. During the first week of the campaign, clothes may be deposited at the parish church of Iklin during the times of mass and at Kalkara parish centre between 9am and 11:30am. Each week different parishes will be announced and published on Newsbook.com.mt and 103 Malta’s Heart.

Albert Debono, who is responsible for the coordination of diaconia work in parishes, said: “How many times have we complained that we do not have anything to wear? Well, some of us really have that problem. Do not throw away clothes. Give them to Caritas Parish Diaconia Network and someone will certainly give them a loving home”.

Fr Joe Borg, Chair of the Editorial Board of Beacon Media Group said that Newsbook.com.mt and 103 Malta’s Heart are proud to be part of this campaign. “Our media, as partners of the campaign, will be giving maximum publicity to this praiseworthy initiative,” Fr Borg said.