An Argyll-based global feeding charity has formalised its official international charity partnership with Southampton Football Club.
Mary’s Meals representatives attended an event at the club’s Staplewood training ground earlier this week.
Magnus Macfarlane-Barrow, chief executive and founder of the charity and Alan Brown, executive director of Mary’s Meals UK, met with Southampton Football Club owner, Katharina Liebherr and club chairman, Ralph Kreuger at a special event to cement the relationship.
The event informed invited guests of the good work that Mary’s Meals does – helping to feed impoverished and chronically hungry children in 12 countries around the world – and of the football club’s fundraising intentions.
A number of fundraising initiatives have been put in place for this weekend’s game against Aston Villa, as well two further matches planned for December 19 against Spurs and a Boxing Day match against Arsenal. These include a percentage of funds from retail and hot food sales and the match-day magazine to go towards Mary’s Meals.
Ralph Kreuger, club chairman, said: “As a club we entertain thousands of people on a regular basis and we feel we have a responsibility. Not only can we support Mary’s Meals to help strengthen their financial situation, but more than that we can offer our time.
“If we can help Mary’s Meals grow as a name and a brand around the UK and around the world, then that is the biggest gift we can give to them. When you hear that £12.20 can feed a child for an entire school year with Mary’s Meals, how can you not want to become a part of that.”
Mr MacFarlane-Barrow added: “This is fantastic news for Mary’s Meals and another step in introducing us to new supporters to help us feed more chronically hungry children across the world.”