The Scotland and Motherwell defender is asking people to set an active goal for the start of the new football season and raise funds for international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals
Footballer Stephen O’Donnell, who has been capped by the Scotland national team 26 times, is calling on football fans to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to Mary’s Meals’ active fundraising challenge, Move For Meals.
Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.
By taking part in the charity’s Move For Meals challenge, supporters can turn their moves into meals and make a life-changing difference to hungry children across the world.
From walking and running, to swimming and playing football – participants can take part in Move For Meals in any way they choose.
Stephen, who has played an important role in Motherwell’s strong start to the Scottish Premiership campaign, said: “As a footballer, I have a real passion for helping people have fun while they keep fit. That’s why I’m very excited to support Mary’s Meals’ active challenge, Move For Meals.
“By simply putting on your boots, grabbing a football and having a five-a-side kickabout with your mates, you can ask your friends and family for sponsorship to help feed children in some of the world’s poorest communities.”
Marie Doyle, director of supporter engagement and income at Mary’s Meals, said: “We’re really thankful to Stephen for supporting our active fundraising challenge and sharing our goal of reaching the next hungry child.
“By taking part in Move For Meals, you can show off your football skills while making a life-changing difference to hungry children across the world.”
Move For Meals will help children like Sebastian from Malawi, who dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, he eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge that gives him energy to learn and play and allows him to have hope for the future.
Sebastian said: “I like the Mary’s Meals porridge as it provides me with the vital energy I need throughout the school day.
“For some of us who like playing sports after class, it becomes easier for us to enjoy the sports as we do not have to worry about going home to eat before participating in the games.”
It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year.
Signing up for Move For Meals couldn’t be easier. Find out more, including about accessing a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt at: marysmeals.org.uk/move-for-meals