Well-kent faces join to support the worthy cause
Michelin star chefs Tom Kitchin and Nick Nairn have teamed up with Mary’s Meals to spread joy this Christmas.
The pair virtually pulled a social-distanced, giant cracker to celebrate the arrival the international 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 to receive nutritious meals every school day for a year.
MasterChef guest judge Tom Kitchin spoke of the joy that a Mary’s Meals Christmas gift can bring to a hungry child.
He 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.”
Nick Nairn became the youngest Scottish chef to win a Michelin star in the early 1990s. But at age 29, Kitchin was awarded his first Michelin star in 2006, making him the youngest ever recipient worldwide at the time. Yet, no friendly rivalry has transpired, explained Nairn from his restaurant in Stirling.
He said: “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.”
For just £15.90 – enough to feed a child every day for an entire school year – supporters can set a place at Mary’s Meals’ virtual Christmas dinner table for their friends and family. Their name will appear online, and they will receive a digital placemat to pass on as a gift.
And 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, says: “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.
