Putting hope on the menu
Most families will spend over €25 on their Christmas dinner this year. But for just €22, you can feed a child in their place of education for a whole school year.
For many people, Christmas is a time of happiness and meaningful connection – bringing families together to celebrate festive traditions and the bonds that unite them.
Whether it’s decorating the tree or gathering around the table to share in the festive meal, Christmas is about sharing experiences. Christians all around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus and the hope and joy of that event, while people of all faiths and none will be spending time with loved ones making memories together.
Charitable giving at Christmas
Christmas is also a time when people exchange gifts to express appreciation and bring joy to others. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift or a small act of kindness, giving at Christmas enriches both the giver and the receiver, spreading warmth and cheer that reflects the true meaning of the season – compassion, generosity and hope.
Known as the season of goodwill, Christmas often motivates people to give beyond their immediate family and friends, which fosters a sense of community and solidarity. This includes offering help to those in need, perhaps by supporting local food banks or donating to their favourite charities.
Bringing hope of a brighter future
This year, while many families will spend more than €25 on buying food for their Christmas dinner, a donation of €22 to Mary’s Meals can provide a child with school meals at their place of education for an entire school year.
At Mary’s Meals, we provide life-changing school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. The promise of a good meal encourages hungry children to attend school, where they can gain an education and better opportunities for the future. Our meals make it possible for hungry children to come to school and give them the energy they need to concentrate and participate in class.
With help from people all over the world who play a part in our work, we are already serving more than 2.4 million children every school day. Together, we can reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.
This Christmas, help put hope on the menu for children experiencing poverty and hunger.
Calum MacFarlane-Barrow is the Growth Engagement Lead for Mary's Meals International. He develops and delivers global strategies to grow the Mary’s Meals movement among faith-based communities and youth audiences. He also helps to build alliances with churches, schools and other relevant organisations to increase our impact and reach.
It costs just €22 to provide a child with school meals for an entire school year. There are many ways you can help support our work and help us reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals. There may even be a Mary's Meals office or volunteer group in your area. Learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference.
