In their capacity as Honorary Patrons, H.E. Niels Lorijn, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Poland and H.E. Jacek Tarnowski, President of the Polish Association of the Order of Malta attended the launch of the 24th edition of the “Opłatek Maltański” (Maltese Wafer) Christmas dinners.
The so-called “Opłatki” are organised annually by the Polish Association of the Order of Malta across 31 locations in Poland, six in the UK and two in Ukraine, with a view to share the magic of Christmas with underprivileged families. From its humble beginnings in 2002, the event has grown to become a nationwide phenomenon that touches the lives of thousands of disadvantaged adults and children. Its organisation requires months of preparation involving hundreds of Order of Malta volunteers.
This year’s inaugural and hugely successful Opłatek dinner was held in Gdansk on 3 December, bringing together 260 guests and their caregivers, as well as sponsors, partner organisations, volunteers and local authorities, including the Metropolitan Archbishop of Gdańsk and President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, H.E. Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, and Mrs Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim, Mayor of Sopot, who were among the guests of honour.
