Andy Drozdziak
A Place in the Sun star Jean Johansson is encouraging parents to leave out a Mary’s Meals gift card for Santa to deliver to a hungry child this Christmas.
The TV star has teamed up with international school meals charity to encourage families to bring hope to hungry children over the festive season.
Catholic charity Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom to gain an education and hope for a brighter future.
Jean Johansson, who recently landed a hosting role on This Morning, explained the benefits of sharing the gift card.
“Alongside milk and cookies, my son and I will be leaving out a Mary’s Meals gift card for Santa to pass on to a hungry child this year. These Christmas gift cards cost just £19.15 and will feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year,” she said.
“Christmas is a time for giving, and there is no better gift than the gift of hope for a hungry child. Mary’s Meals brings joy to children all year round, and these beautiful cards will allow you to give that joy in the form of a life-changing daily school meal. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce children to the idea of giving back at Christmas and showing them how they can help others at this special time of year.”
Mary’s Meals is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, who brought up her own child in poverty. The charity reaches out to people of all faiths and none.
Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots Engagement at Mary’s Meals said: “We’re so grateful to Jean for spreading ho-ho-hope this Christmas and helping us to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals.
“Our beautiful Christmas cards and gifts will not only put a smile on the faces of your friends, family and Santa Claus himself, but crucially, will change the lives of hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest countries.”
Until 22nd January 2024, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1 million. The ‘Double The Love’ campaign was launched by Pam Rhodes in November.
Pictures: Mary’s Meals/Andrew Cawley