Supporters step out this summer for Mary’s Meals

Come rain or shine, our supporters in Northern Ireland are putting their best foot forward to help us reach more hungry children. 

The annual ‘Step by Step to Feed The Next Child’ sponsored walks have now got under way and will run until 21 August.  

The walk will take place in various stages with starting points from Coalisland, Lurgan, Newry, Enniskillen and Derry/Londonderry, allowing people to do as little or as much as they can. The end point is in Knock, Co Mayo, with supporters walking over 200km as part of the event. 

Caoimhe McCann, Supporter Engagement Officer for Mary’s Meals in Northern Ireland, said: “These walks allow people to show solidarity to the children we feed – children who walk many miles to school to receive their daily meal. The walks also raise awareness and funds that will help us reach the next child who is waiting for Mary’s Meals. 

“Last year was my own introduction to these walks and I cannot begin to describe how awe-inspiring it was to meet more than 100 people, from all walks of life, who have taken the simple Mary’s Meals message into their hearts. 

“Their joy was palpable because they knew that by walking a few miles or donating a few pounds, a child would receive a daily meal at school and experience a better future.” 

Caoimhe recalled the determination of last year’s walkers, who – despite the Covid-19 pandemic – managed to raise more than £31,000, which is enough to feed 2,000 children with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year.