Letter to Editor from Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals

Dear editor, 

The charm of the presents under our Christmas tree lies partly in their very different shapes and sizes. Perhaps the same could be said of our own families. None of them look the same.  

Take 12-year-old Hawa – she lives with her granny, an aunt and four cousins in Liberia. Often there is not enough food for her family to eat. 

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious food at school to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries, attracting them into the classroom where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty. 

More than two million children receive our life-changing meals every school day – including Hawa. 

I am pleased to tell you that, until 31 January 2022, donations made to our Double The Love campaign will be matched, up to £1.6 million, by a generous group of supporters.  

Those children receiving Mary’s Meals might not have a pile of presents to unwrap on Christmas morning, but their dreams are alive and well, thanks to those who share our belief that every child should have enough to eat and go to school. 

You can learn more about our work by visiting marysmeals.org.uk 

Have a wonderful Christmas, 

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals