A sexy lady dressed in a white nurse’s outfit; a beautiful woman in a stylish dress eating cupcakes, surrounded by two pretty children. These are not the typical images that would come to mind when one thinks of Dar Merħba Bik – a shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.
And yet, these are some of the photos you will come across in the 2015 calendar that has been created to raise funds for the charity. Rosette Zahra, one of the driving forces behind this calendar, has been volunteering with the charity for some 20 years.
When a friend of hers, Stacey Abela, approached her to say she wanted to fundraise for a charity, this was music to Zahra’s ears. Together, they set about putting together a calendar which would be sold to raise much-needed funds for Dar Merħba Bik.
The main theme running through the photos in the calendar is positivity. “It was important to give the calendar a positive note,” says Zahra, the reason being so people would want to have it in their home and that it would be something that both men and women would appreciate.
The photos in the calendar are pin-up style and show strong women in various roles. The calendar is also singular... it covers 14 months, with some months repeated.
“Although it takes a light approach, the calendar is a tribute to all women and a reminder that domestic violence is still rampant,” she says.
The ladies in the photos are not necessarily victims, but ladies who were willing to stand up for other women.
In addition to giving shelter to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, Dar Merħba Bik, which runs under the auspices of the Good Shepherd Sisters, offers the services of a day care centre to support families in difficult situations to care for their children.
Along the years, Zahra has helped wherever she could be of assistance at Dar Merħba Bik. She explains how she has come across many heartbreaking and touching stories. “Every story is unique and worth all the support provided.”
In addition to fundraising, the calendar serves to raise awareness about the shelter which supports and hosts between 100 and 120 women and their children.
The calendar is selling for €5 with all proceeds going to Dar Merħba Bik. Calendars can be bought from: My Melts, Mosta, Handmade Concepts, Mosta, Cauchi’s Stationery, Mosta, Brema Supermarket, Mosta, Razzle Dazzle, Naxxar, Yume, Attard, The Tink Shop, Attard, Higher Grades Stationery, Attard, Beauty Rituals, Msida, College Corner Stationary, Msida, Best ‘N Less, Qormi, Head Rush, Sliema, Nails by Marilyn Montebello, Birżebbuġa, Cute Looks, St Paul’s Bay, Shoesz, Żurrieq, Dar Merħba Bik, Balzan and the Malta Girl Guides.