The smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. Meet Lippu Zammit, the man behind We Give Joy, a newly launched charity organisation that encourages the community to give back through various projects and acts of kindness.

“I have always felt the need to give back,” says Lippu. “We Give Joy was created because there is only so much I can do alone.” Lippu explains that whenever he asks for help, he always gets a positive reaction and comments like ‘I’ve been wanting to do this for ages!’ He says that this platform will hopefully empower people to act upon this feeling and spread a little joy along the way.

Lippu's yearly traditions

“One year, I sent the kids at Puttinu kinder eggs during Easter time, which was a pretty impulsive decision. I remember going to the supermarket and buying 100 small kinder eggs. The cashier thought I was nuts! In later years I worked with a company to provide the children a big Easter egg each.” Needless to say, they loved it! Lippu also sends these kids sweets and treats throughout the year.

Breast Cancer Month is also important for Lippu. “Last October we organised a beauty week for all patients at the Oncology ward which included nail technicians, beauticians, aromatherapists – the works! We wanted to make them feel special. The help I received was so humbling and encouraging at the same time.”

Lippu makes it a point to thank the staff and carers who work with these people, sending ‘thank you’ goodies to the hospital staff come Christmas time to thank them for all they do. “Whether it’s a bottle of wine or some sweets, they deserve to be recognised for all their hard work!”

It doesn’t stop there! Here’s everything he's got in the pipeline

Lippu will continue to spread the love and joy through various events and initiatives. “Last year I started another tradition for Christmas, whereby I feed the homeless at YMCA in Msida. This year, I plan to do the same in Easter time, too.” Lippu will be preparing a home cooked Easter Sunday lunch for the underprivileged at the YMCA.

Lippu will be launching two other projects: We Give Joy… With a Little Ink and We Give Joy… With a Little Colour. The first, With a Little Ink, will primarily help women in oncology who have undergone breast removal surgery and are left with scars to feel beautiful again by inking on new nipples. Meanwhile, With a Little Colour will be targeted towards children at schools to teach them about paying it forward. They will recycle broken crayons, collect them, and after being melted down, the crayons will be donated to children at hospitals and institutes.

There is so much more planned, but ultimately, “if we are able to make someone who is going through a bad time smile, then we have ultimately reached our goal. The joy is what it’s all about.”

We need more people like Lippu!