The act of sharing can bring a life of joy
The founder of Mary’s Meals tells us about feeding children through the Covid-19 pandemic, his lockdown vegetable garden, and his new book.
Last week, our founder Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow joined the Mary’s Meals Family Hour to answer questions from supporters across the UK.
Speaking from the shed in Dalmally where our mission began, he spoke to Daniel Adams, our executive director,
The pair chatted about the impact of Covid-19 on our work, Magnus’ faith, and the release of his new book, Give: Charity And The Art Of Living Generously – as well as using lockdown to grow vegetables in his garden!
“There is a Generation Hope, thousands and thousands of young people have a better life,” Magnus told those watching live.
“But there are still all those thousands of kids today […] who are hungry, who are waiting, whose lives can be transformed by Mary’s Meals.”
Watch the Mary’s Meals Family Hour now to hear Magnus’ full interview – as well as an update from Zambia and a conversation with a truly inspirational supporter.
In many of the countries where our meals are served, schools are beginning to buzz with the exuberance and noise of children once more. For those schools that remain closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have adapted to ensure children do not go without a vital meal.
“There was a point back in March when things began to lock down and when we all began to realise the enormity of this, it felt really bad,” Magnus added.
“It was the first moment since the beginning that I wondered how we were going to go forward if schools are closing. But five months later and we’re feeding nearly all those kids at home. Our colleagues have worked miracles. People just haven’t stopped; we will find a new way.”
Magnus’ new book, Give: Charity And The Art Of Living Generously, illustrates how the act of sharing – and even sacrifice – can be the key to a life of joy.
He said, “Give is an exploration of charity, what is charity in essence and what prompts all these beautiful acts of love around the world. Charity is a universal thing, and I think it’s something that defines us as human beings.
“All of us in the Mary’s Meals family know and love charity as this beautiful thing, this thing that changes lives and makes all our lives better – not just the receiver but the giver. I wanted to explore this through the lens of the experience of Mary’s Meals.”