Celebrity chefs Tom Kitchin and Nick Nairn launch online Christmas table for Mary's Meals charity

Tom Kitchin and Nick Nairn virtually pulled a cracker

Two of Scotland’s top chefs have teamed up with Mary’s Meals to help spread some festive joy this Christmas.

Although living many miles apart, Tom Kitchin and Nick Nairn virtually pulled a giant, socially-distanced cracker to celebrate the arrival of the charity’s online Christmas table.

The duo are inviting people to set a place at the table as a gift for their family and friends, enabling a child in Liberia to receive nutritious meals.

Supporters can donate £15.90, enough to feed a child every day for an entire school year, with their name appearing online and a digital placemat gift.

A child in Liberia who receives Mary’s Meals

MasterChef guest judge Kitchin said: “Christmas is looking a little different this year, with many planning to pull virtual crackers like Nick and I, instead of around the festive table. Yet Christmas remains such a special time for my family and me.

“I hope that people will join us and share festive hope and happiness with children living in the world’s poorest countries by setting a place at Mary’s Meals’ virtual Christmas dinner table.”

Nairn added: “I’ve known Tom for many years and really admire his work. I’m delighted to team up with him to promote the amazing work of Mary’s Meals, especially during this year of hardship and hunger for so many across the world. I hope others will get involved and gift hope this Christmas.”

Throughout December, these gifts will go even further, with the UK government matching public donations to Mary’s Meals until 31 January 2021, up to £2 million.

Funding raised will allow Mary’s Meals to reach more than 43,000 hungry children in Bong County, Liberia, with a life-changing meal at school.

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, said: “In a year that’s been so difficult for us all, our virtual Christmas dinner brings together people from around the globe who believe that every child deserves an education and enough to eat.

“As we think about new ways to connect and celebrate this year, it’s thanks to the kindness of those who set a place, that we can invite those hungry children, virtually, to share our table by gifting life-changing school meals. I can’t think of a better present to give or receive this Christmas.”

Around the world, Mary’s Meals is reaching more than 1.6 million hungry children in 19 of the poorest countries with a nutritious daily meal.

Donate today and double your love! Give until 31 January 2021 and your donation will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2 million – meaning Mary’s Meals can reach even more hungry children in Liberia with life-changing school meals.