Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542182
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 DECEMBER 2025 CULTURE Publication of book six in the series Karamellu tar-Raħal t'Isfel THE Karamellu tar-Raħal t'Is- fel book series now includes its sixth book. Karamellu was a boy who was born decades ago and was brought up in a Maltese village at a time when the way of life and the general customs were very different from today, so much so that children used to play in the streets and people used to know each other well. Many of the Karamellu stories are inspired by events that really took place. Others are accounts that give an idea of how certain people and characters of the time, whom the author used to know personally and enjoy their company. They are stories writ- ten mainly for children but also offer down the lane nostalgic reminders to adults. They also offer teachers a point of refer- ence when speaking to children about the way people used to live and behave in the past, as well as certain Maltese objects and words which are not in use anymore. The ten stories of the new book start with an exciting ex- perience Karamellu enjoys with his two grandmothers when, garbed into their għonnella on a windy day, they take him with them to Valletta to buy some draperies. Other stories are about a sur- prise letter Karamellu's grand- father receives from Australia 12 years after it was posted, cer- tain funny experiences linked to the way a friend of Karamellu known as 'Il-Mangliż' used to understand or express certain Maltese words, and how a chil- dren's game led Karamellu and his schoolfriends to learn about the origins of the Maltese names of the weekdays from Sunday to Saturday. The book also includes stories about what one can do with the pointed tip of an egg, an ad- venture linked to Karamellu's grandfather's angling hobby, a boy who used to love soaking his friends using the street's public water pump, and strange bell chimes that a priest begins to hear without knowing where they are coming from. Another story is about the trouble Karamellu's grandfa- ther goes through because of a lost pair of pliers. The new book can be pur- chased from Book Distributors Limited (BDL Books). Further information can be obtained by contacting Ms Rita Micallef (nannukarm@gmail. com; info@nannukarm.org Tel: 79093467). Join the Christmas crowdfund to give children in care their first experience of snow A Christmas crowdfunding cam- paign is gathering momentum as people in Malta come together to give a group of children in al- ternative or residential care the chance to see snow for the very first time. Launched on Zaar by the Foun- dation for Social Welfare Servic- es (FSWS), in collaboration with popular creator Danita from One Chick and a Yorkie, the heart- warming project has quickly cap- tured the imagination of backers who recognise how rare such an experience is for these young people. The project aims to take the youngsters abroad to a safe, fam- ily-friendly, snow-covered lo- cation where they can explore, laugh and simply be children, feeling included in moments oth- ers their age might take for grant- ed. For many of them, it may be their first – and possibly only – chance to experience life beyond Malta's shores. Within its first 24 hours, the campaign reached its initial €2,500 target – and by the end of the first week it had cleared a second milestone of €5,000. With weeks still to go before the cam- paign officially closes, FSWS has raised the funding goal again to €8,000, hoping to push the total towards €10,000 to give the chil- dren an even more comfortable, inclusive and enriching trip. With plans to travel this winter season, the funds cover the costs of flights, accommodation, meals, winter clothing, supervised activ- ities and any other necessities. The choice of destination will be based on availability, affordability and – above all – the safety and comfort of the children. The extra funds may even make it possible to give more children this once-in-a-lifetime experience, adds FSWS Service Manager, Marylyn Agius. "For these children, travelling abroad – especially to a snowy destina- tion – is something they've only dreamed about," she says. "This trip may be the only chance they have to experience snow during childhood, so it felt important to give the public a way to help open the world to them, especial- ly at Christmas. The community support we've already received via the Zaar campaign has been extraordinary and shows just how much people in Malta tru- ly care. A moment like this can plant seeds of hope, confidence and belonging, reminding these children that they matter, that people care and that joy is meant for them, too." The campaign remains open on Zaar until 29 December for those who would like to help bring a little winter magic into the lives of children who need it most this Christmas. "Every donation and act of kind- ness to spread the word brings these children one step closer to a memory they will cherish for- ever," adds Agius. "Help us make their first snow a moment of pure wonder." Help make a child's winter dreams come true this Christ- mas with a donation to the Snowflake of Hope crowdfund- ing campaign on Zaar at www. zaar.com.mt.