Little acts of kindness make a big difference
Inspiring stories of fundraising initiatives and events from across the global Mary's Meals family.
Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and backgrounds who all share the same goal – that every child receives a meal in their place of education.
Although we serve a daily meal to more than 2.4 million children across 17 countries in their place of education every school day, our fundraising operations are global. Our growing network of affiliate charities raise awareness of our work – from organising and participating in fundraising events, to coordinating volunteers and building deep-rooted relationships with local partners who share our values and passion.
Here’s a brief snapshot of ways our supporters across the globe are helping to make a difference.
Czech Republic – moving for hope
Participants of our "Move for Hope" campaign organised by Mary’s Meal Czech Republic clocked up more than 209,000 kilometres by running, walking and cycling during the month of May to raise funds for Mary’s Meals. Adults paid an entry fee of CZK 550 – the cost of feeding one child for an entire school year. Our Czech Republic team also organised a four-day relay that started at the Slovak and Polish border and finished in the Czech capital of Prague.
In Ethiopia’s drought-ridden Tigray region, 1,766 children are receiving nutritious meals at their place of education for an entire school year because of the generosity and commitment of Mary’s Meals supporters in the Czech Republic.
Croatia – running for good reason
In Croatia too, our supporters have been on the move. Last month, more than 250 adults and children participated in the 10th annual "Running for Child 31" race, organised by Mary’s Meals Croatia.
The event took place in Zagreb’s picturesque Bundek Park, where competitors – young and old – laced up their running shoes for two races: a five-kilometre route for adults and an 800-metre children’s race. Elsewhere in Croatia, races were also held in the cities of Split and Slavonski Brod.
The suggested registration fee for adults was €11, the cost of providing one child with school meals for half of a school year at their place of education. Together, participants raised enough money to ensure that 514 children can rely on our promise of a nutritious daily meal.
USA – raising funds through music and dining
More than 150 people gathered on a summer evening in June to enjoy music by Nashville-based bands and share a meal at the Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant in Summit Holt, Missouri, USA.
Canterbury Hill Winery has hosted fundraising concerts for Mary’s Meals USA for the last six years. This year’s event raised $11,315, an amount that will provide nutritious school meals for 449 children for an entire school year.
"I’m so grateful for our generous community members who show up to help support those most in need," says Michelle Keller, Mary’s Meals Missouri Regional Coordinator and organiser of the annual event: "It was a great night, and I can’t wait for next year."
Ireland – a more beautiful tomorrow
Promotion of our global partnership with skincare and beauty brand Clarins kicked off in May with an exclusive event at Dublin’s city centre store co-hosted by Patricia Friel, our Executive Director of Mary’s Meals Ireland, and Bronwyn Conway, National Training Manager at Clarins.
Patricia talked to event participants about our work to feed children in their place of education, and how teaming up with Clarins is helping us fulfil our promise to the children we serve amid an unprecedented global food and education crisis. Bronwyn spoke about Clarins’ commitment to protecting future generations and how the partnership will help support children across the world to build a brighter future.
"We’ve built a great relationship with the Clarins Dublin team," says Patricia. "They are helping to promote our fundraising events on social media."
All ticket proceeds from the event were donated directly to Mary’s Meals.
Germany – engaging our volunteers
Mary’s Meals Germany hosted its inaugural volunteer gathering earlier this year, welcoming more than 80 volunteers from across Germany for a weekend of discussion and activities.
Highlights of the event included a series of workshops to brainstorm how we grow our movement and encourage others to get involved. Alex Keay, MMI Director of Programme Partners and Affiliates, shared insights into the inner workings of our school feeding programme, and one of our partner organisations in Haiti gave an extremely moving testimony on the ongoing unrest and violence in the country and the importance of consistent school meals.
"The atmosphere of the meeting was characterised by solidarity and commitment," says the Mary’s Meals Germany team. ‘Everyone brought their unique skills and perspectives to make a positive change together. We look forward to a second one!"
Canada – an imaginative fundraising initiative
Finally, a resourceful family in Canada have raised thousands of dollars through taking advantage of the country’s deposit return scheme for tins cans. As the children walked home from school, they filled their backpacks with old cans that appeared as the winter snow melted.
For every one-and-a-half cans the children recycled, they collected enough money to feed a child for a day. They invited friends and neighbours to get involved and raised over $4400 CAD.
Allan Poot is Head of National Affiliate Growth at Mary’s Meals. He is responsible for supporting the National Affiliate base and onboarding new affiliates.
It costs just £19.15, €22, $25.20 USD or $31.70 CAD to provide a child with school meals for an entire school year – and there are many ways you can help us to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals. There may even be a Mary's Meals volunteer group in your area. Learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference.
