An Argyll charity has been presented with one of the most prestigious awards for voluntary services in the country.
Mary’s Meals, which provides a daily meal to more than 1.1 million children in some of the poorest parts of the world, was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a celebration event in its Oban shop.
The honour – which is better known as the “MBE for voluntary groups” – is considered the UK’s highest accolade for charitable activities.
Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Stewart MBE, Her Majesty’s representative in Argyll and Bute, presented the award to the charity.
Accepting the Queen’s Award on behalf of the volunteers was Bill Clifford who helps raise awareness of group.
Mr Clifford, 68, from Appin, Argyll, said: “The work of Mary’s Meals is so simple and effective – for a small amount of money, you can give a child a daily meal and education for a whole year.
“As a volunteer, it’s an amazing feeling to see peoples’ faces light up at talks when they learn that even a small amount can help transform the life of a child.
“Everyone can play a part in supporting the work of Mary’s Meals – even if you choose to volunteer a couple of hours a week, you are still making a difference and it is great fun too.”
Volunteers are crucial to the work of Mary’s Meals – from the local communities who prepare and serve the meals to hungry children, to the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to support work of Mary’s Meals in the UK.
Mary’s Meals provides a daily meal at school in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. It costs the charity a global average of just £12.20 to feed a child for a whole school year.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute said: “I am delighted to present, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, this award to Mary’s Meals.
“Based on an inspirational idea, nurtured by a first class organisation which has its roots grounded in widespread and enthusiastic volunteering, the charity is performing untold good by feeding young people and tying that essential to another essential, their education.”
Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and chief executive of Mary’s Meals, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and it is wonderful that the achievements of all those generous people across the UK who dedicate their precious time in supporting our vision are being recognised by this award.”
