The Proclaimers back Mary’s Meals charity’s Double The Love campaign

The Proclaimers are backing a new campaign from the Mary’s Meals charity that will see the UK government match public donations until January 2021, up to £2 million.

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

The nutritious food, prepared by local communities, attracts the children into the classroom and gives them the energy to learn.

The Proclaimers – Craig and Charlie Reid – have been supporters of Mary’s Meals for several years, and took time out from writing their next album to help the charity with its launch.

Craig said: “We think the work Mary’s Meals does is fantastic. We’ve been following its incredible impact for years and we’re now delighted to be able to support its campaign to feed more hungry children in Liberia.”

Charlie added: “For the next few months people’s donations will be doubled by the UK government, meaning that supporters can double the impact of the pounds they’re giving.

“This year has been tough for everyone in different ways but, in the same way that music brings people together, Double The Love offers a brilliant opportunity for us all to get behind Mary’s Meals and show children in Liberia that we care.”

© Chris Watt

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, children have continued to eat Mary’s Meals beyond the classroom thanks to the safe community distribution of food to be prepared and eaten at home.

As schools across Liberia re-open, the charity is working closely with local governments and communities to ensure children can continue to safely receive the promise of a nutritious daily meal.

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, said: “Many families in Liberia face an unrelenting daily struggle to feed their children and the Covid-19 pandemic has only added to these huge challenges. Double The Love will bring new hope to Liberian communities who are waiting for Mary’s Meals.

“In such a challenging year this generous match funding from the UK government offers an incredible opportunity for us all to work together to transform the lives of many more hungry children in Liberia. Through the dual gift of food and education, hungry children today will be able to grow into tomorrow’s educated adults who can lift their communities out of poverty.”

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.

The charity has been working in Liberia since 1994, and already serves meals to more than 150,000 children across the country.

In Liberia, more than half of all children drop out of school before they finish their primary education, and 64 per cent of girls are out of school.

Until January 31 2021, 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.  

For just £15.90, a child can be fed with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year. 

Any funds raised above the £2m matched funding target will allow children across the 19 countries in which the charity works to receive Mary’s Meals. 

To donate, visit marysmeals.org.uk/double-the-love, phone 0800 698 1212, email info@marysmeals.org  or text DOUBLE plus the amount you would like to donate to 70450. For example: text DOUBLE3 to donate £3, DOUBLE5 to donate £5, or DOUBLE10 to donate £10. Texts cost the donation amount plus one message at your standard network rate. Always get the bill payer’s permission. You won’t be opting into any further communication from Mary’s Meals