Marie's Mary's Meals story

I can trace the beginning of my story with Mary’s Meals back to 1984, almost two decades before the charity was founded. That year, I visited a small village and pilgrimage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina, called Medjugorje. I'd read it was an incredible place and felt a spiritual calling to go. I fell in love with Medjugorje and have visited regularly ever since.

One year, during the blessing of the new Mary's Meals information centre in Medjugorje, I found myself next to the charity’s founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow. I was already aware of the charity's work, and as we both stood in silence to receive a blessing from a Scottish bishop, I felt a deeper calling to Mary's Meals.

The more I discovered about Mary’s Meals, the more I was passionate to get involved. I have since fundraised, volunteered and become an ambassador for its work. I am also a dedicated beekeeper, becoming a regular face in my community for turning sales of honey into donations. I love counting my impact by the jar, knowing that every three jars I sell, I can help change another young life; incredibly, it costs only £19.15 to feed a child for a full year with Mary’s Meals.

My husband and I had always given to charity but were inspired to create a longer lasting impact. We committed to giving a regular gift to Mary’s Meals and at a cost of just 10p a meal, our monthly donation has provided thousands of meals for hungry children over the last 10 years.

A regular gift provides stability in some of the world’s poorest communities and gives the charity the best possible chance of reaching more children. Even small donations can make a huge difference to those in need. I feel that helping children grow and learn is one of the most beautiful things we can do. It’s been a blessing to make a positive difference.

Throughout August, Mary’s Meals is tripling the first three donations from new regular gifts. This is thanks to a generous donor who is matching all new regular gifts or increased values from existing givers up to the value of £250,000. If you have ever thought about making a lasting impact, this could be the perfect opportunity.

For more information, visit the regular giving webpage.