Celebrities share their 2024 goals in support of Mary’s Meals

Jean Johansson, Eilish McColgan, Gary Maclean and Scarlette and Stuart Douglas encourage others to take on new challenges while fundraising for charity

Running, baking and craft-making are just some of the activities that celebrities are taking up at the start of 2024 as we all embark upon our New Year’s resolutions. 

Jean Johansson, Eilish McColgan, Gary Maclean and Scarlette and Stuart Douglas are all supporters of international school feeding charity, Mary’s Meals. 

Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 of the world’s poorest countries including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom, so that instead of working or looking for food, they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future. 

There are a number of different ways to fundraise for the charity and top TV and sporting stars are asking others to share in their goals for the year ahead to help feed more hungry children in 2024. 

Scottish long-distance running champion Eilish McColgan, who is training for this year’s summer Olympics, is encouraging people to sign up for Move For Meals to help them stick to their New Year’s fitness plans. 

She says: “The Move For Meals challenge is a really simple way to turn your moves into meals and make a life-changing difference to hungry children across the world. From walking to running, swimming and playing football, you can take part in Move For Meals in any way you choose.” 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to brush up on your baking skills this year, celebrity chef Gary Maclean is urging families to pull on their aprons and fundraise through Raise Some Dough. 

The MasterChef: The Professionals winner says: “A bake sale is a great way to perfect your favourite cake, while raising funds to enable this incredible charity to reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

“Baking is also an excellent activity to keep the kids entertained and by Raising Some Dough, you can help instil that charitable spirit in your little ones too!” 

The start of a new year often sees people take up new hobbies, including arts and crafts. A Place In The Sun presenter Jean Johansson believes sewing, knitting or crocheting can be a wonderful way to unwind, while fundraising for those in need through Make For Meals. 

Jean says: “Maybe you’re already a nifty knitter or a master maker, or perhaps 2024 will be your first foray into the world of crafting.

“Either way, you can turn your creativity into life-changing meals for children. By simply selling your crafts to family and friends, or setting up a making marathon fundraiser, you can raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals.” 

And if you’re perhaps lacking motivation to maintain those New Year’s resolutions, why not team up with a sibling or family member to tackle them together? 

Brother and sister-presenting duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas have joined forces to Double The Love this January. Until the end of January, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million. 

Scarlette says: “Stuart and I are competitive siblings and we’re always challenging each other to achieve our goals. 

“At the start of this year, we’ll both be Doubling The Love and donating to Mary’s Meals. The fact that Mary’s Meals can feed a child for a whole school year for just £19.15 is an amazing feat.

“And with Double The Love, £19.15 will feed two children for a school year, so there’s never been a better time to donate!” 

To find out how you can support Mary’s Meals while achieving your 2024 goals, visit marysmeals.org.uk.