After key places on the University of Malta’s Msida grounds have been especially decked up for the festive season, the campus is today being cloaked in true holiday spirit with the charity event of the year having just kicked off at the University Quadrangle.
This is the 13th edition of the series of activities held each year to collect funds for L-Istrina and id-Dar tal-Providenza, but the first to be livestreamed to its audience via the official University of Malta social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).
University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, and UM Chaplain, Rev. Patrick Magro, were among those present for the inauguration, as were a number of students who shared their messages of hope for the upcoming festive days.
Singer Benjamin Attard belted out a number of popular Christmas tunes to those on Quadrangle.
Although it might not look the same way it usually does, Christmas on Campus 2020, carrying the theme 'Make this a Real Christmas', promises to make new, special memories within the confines of what is acceptable during this pandemic.
“We are here to celebrate Christmas in a more authentic way – by sharing what we have with others, by being generous, and by sparing a few thoughts to those who are less fortunate”, said the UM Chaplain.
"If there is one Christmas in which we need to show solidarity towards each other, it's this one", said the UM Rector.
Although this year’s programme of events had to be condensed due to COVID-19-imposed measures, the organisers, consisting of KSU, members of the Precincts Office and other staff, have still managed to pack in some fun activities for all members of the UM community.
Several student university organisations are expected to take part in a series of activities including gift stalls and selling of Christmas goodies.
Don’t forget about the social media competition ‘In what way you YOU make this a REAL Christmas’, which can earn you a Christmas cap and hoodie.
On 14 December, the Chaplaincy and KSU are organising a Car Wash Day.
From 14 to 18 December, you can give a donation when you stop at one of the four Temperature Checkpoints located on Campus and you will be presented with a festive plant. For the remainder of December, volunteers will be going around campus collecting funds as well.
Between 15 and 23 December (weekdays), the Christmas Novena will be held in the Chapel. During the weekend, the Novena will be live-streamed on Facebook too.
18 December is a Wear Your Red Sweater to Work Day.
On 20 December, TSA, the Tourism Studies Association will be organising a Treasure Hunt.