Amidst all the parties, shopping, and gift wrapping, December is known for bringing out the best in us and the Maltese definitely know how to go out of their way to help out charities and individuals who are currently experiencing difficult times. Besides collecting food supplies, helping out financially and setting up Christmas activities, there’s one charity event which tops them all – and that’s the Thomas Smith Christmas Charity Swim.
For a number of years, Thomas Smith Group has been the mind behind one of the most sensational Christmas events to date. Starting off as an amicable challenge between a few friends, the cause has now turned into a full-fledged event. Heading into its 19th edition, the Thomas Smith Christmas Charity Swim encompasses the local lifestyle, the nation’s love to help out and an exhilarating experience which attracts the masses to meet up, strip off and splash around. Malta is known for its 300 days of sunshine, but it’s not commonplace to find people running to the beach just a week before Christmas. It is safe to say that the waters experience a drop in temperature, but this definitely does not deter the hundreds of fans who look forward to this swimming extravaganza on a yearly basis.
This year, the event is set to happen on December 17th and preparations have been underway for the past couple of months to make this year’s edition a bigger success than the previous ones. The aim of this activity is to collect as much money as possible, to be donated to the Malta Community Chest Fund, a foundation which aides to improve the way of life of the local community.
The Thomas Smith Charity Swim is a Christmas activity loved by many. Previous editions have seen the participation of children, youths, adults and seniors. The Swim has become a staple in Malta’s calendar of events, and every year, new people join the crowd at the pier by Independence Garden in Sliema and get ready to dive in. Sounds tempting, right?!
Don’t worry about freezing up – a hot cuppa and nibbles are shared between the swimmers once you get out of the waters, and lots of selfies are snapped, to mark such heroic gestures. If you don’t feel like getting your toes wet, rest assured that you still have a place on the day – hundreds of spectators make way to the pier to cheer upon their family, friends and colleagues, and make their donations.
H.E. The President of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, will be joining us again this year to share a few words of encouragement to the participants and thank all the supporters for their commitment and donations.
The atmosphere on the day is incredible – you just have to come and experience it first-hand. Hang on to your Christmas hats, count to three and take the leap. Make sure to save the date and get your registration form ready. Encourage your close friends and family to help you collect a nice sum and get ready to make your mark.
Find out what goes on that day, how you can get involved and get ready to #swimforcharity. Queries can be forwarded to [email protected]. See you there!
Photo credits:
David Caruana Dingli