Devon Players Raise £7 Million
Players in Devon have helped raise over £7 million through the People’s Postcode Lottery, significantly contributing to the efforts of Mary’s Meals, a charity dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children in need.
As a result of this funding, 478,968 children now receive meals every school day, highlighting the direct impact of the lottery on global child nutrition. To date, more than 39 million meals have been served in 16 countries, showcasing the extensive reach of Mary’s Meals.
Wider Impact of the Partnership
The decade-long partnership between the People’s Postcode Lottery and Mary’s Meals has been instrumental in expanding the charity’s operations. Funding from lottery players has supported Mary’s Meals in various countries, including Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
Currently, Mary’s Meals serves daily meals to more than three million children globally, with half of those receiving meals being girls. This initiative not only addresses hunger but also encourages learning and provides hope for a better future.
Community Support and Reactions
Laura Chow, a spokesperson for the People’s Postcode Lottery, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “It’s fantastic to know that for a decade our players have supported the essential work of Mary’s Meals- and have now raised an incredible £7 million to help children across the globe access nutritious meals.”
Gemma Love from Mary’s Meals added, “We are incredibly grateful to People’s Postcode Lottery players in Devon, whose ongoing support is helping us reach more children than ever before with a daily school meal that encourages learning, brings hope and changes lives.”
One beneficiary, Efigénia, shared her experience, saying, “With school meals, I feel good because even with a lack of food at home, here at school I have a meal and I can study.” This sentiment reflects the transformative impact of the program on children’s lives.
As the partnership continues, Mary’s Meals remains committed to reaching even more children in the years ahead, inspired by the difference this support makes for communities around the world.