While planning a calendar to promote her scented wax melts store, Stacey Abela decided she wanted her project to serve a higher purpose... and thought of raising funds for a charity.
An old friend, Rosette Zahra, who fundraising coordinator at Dar Merħba Bik, home for women who suffer domestic abuse, suggested she speak to her managers about a possible collaboration.
“I set up a meeting with Dar Merħba Bik and as soon as I walked in, I realised first hand the situation at the home. I instantly knew I wanted to help this NGO and the women who make use of its services,” says Abela.
Rachel Borg (centre) with son and stepdaughter during a shoot.“From then on the project took a life of its own and I forgot all about promoting my store.”
Abela, who went through a difficult period herself, was adamant in wanting to promote the empowerment of women. In fact, the calendar, titled Reflection of a Woman, seeks to highlight women’s strengths in their everyday life. Anonymous quotes from those who have benefited from the home’s services accompany the photos.
“None of the models in the calendar are professionals, but are ordinary women from all walks of life who wanted to support our cause. They all have their own struggles,” Abela says.
The NGO helps over 120 women a year, besides their children, and is run by the Good Shepherd Sisters.
“Each case is different. Contrary to what people believe, Dar Merħba Bik doesn’t just help women but also their family, especially if children are involved,” points out Abela.
The anonymous but authentic quotes on the calendar serve to highlight the important work carried out by the NGO.
“Unfortunately there are people who have never even heard of Dar Merħba Bik. A project like this can help change this,” says Zahra.
She adds that there is always something that needs to be done to improve the facilities. In fact, proceeds from the calendar will mainly go to the building of two garages, where those seeking help, as well as social workers, can safely park their cars.
“We get a lot of vandalism. Anger makes everything blurred and one loses the sense of what is right and wrong. Sometimes the cars of those involved, be it women seeking help, volunteers or social workers, are damaged and this makes the situations much more complicated than they already are,” says Zahra.
The Malta Girl Guides have joined the initiative and are selling the calendars as part of their continuous efforts to fight against any form of abuse.
“I discussed my ideas with Marjo Abela, the Guides’ chief commissioner, and she believed the Malta Girl Guides could help promote this cause. In fact, they even invited us to launch the calendar at the annual Malta Girl Guides national conference and it was distributed to all the groups so they can be sold,” continues Abela.
“So far, we’ve had really good feedback and that makes this even more special. I’ve got plenty of other ideas for future projects.”
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/14monthcalender .