One chilly evening last week I went to post a letter down my road. I buried my head in my old jacket collar flaps and tightened my scarf to block out the cold. I casually acknowledged two black immigrants who were waiting while stamping their feet warm. A nodding acknowledgement was returned, accompanied by their obvious waiting-for-somebody look.

As I returned from posting my letter I still saw them waiting... this time they asked if I could give them some money to see them back to their tents. Startled by their approach, I just walked past them, as I had no change and honestly was not sure what to do next. How many more of these unfortunate immigrants will be sharing this plight, craving for some cash after an honest day's or week's work, not having been paid by their so-called Catholic Maltese employers.

Partygoers who intend to spend money on a fix could instead place it on the feeding and clothing of these unfortunate beings. They would also do themselves a favour instead of possibly landing themselves in hospital and giving their parents their greatest fright.

The Curia could donate part of their collections from the Midnight Masses to ease the pain of these unfortunate people who are made of flesh and blood and who "living away in a Manger, no crib for their needs". We sing and chime beautiful carols but do we really mean what we sing or do we just enjoy the tune?

Immigrants live in deplorable conditions and sometimes starve to be able to send their meagre wages abroad to support their family.

Rightly so, nobody will be receiving a Lm20 voucher for a Lm10 for Lm5 donation. The reward is in the art of giving.