Significant Contribution from Players
Recent developments reveal that players in Devon have raised over £7 million through the People’s Postcode Lottery, directly supporting the charity Mary’s Meals. This funding has enabled 478,968 children to receive nutritious meals every school day.
Mary’s Meals, which began in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, now serves daily meals to more than three million children globally. The funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery has been crucial in expanding their reach, with a total of 39 million meals served to date.
Wider Context of the Postcode Lottery
The People’s Postcode Lottery has raised more than £950 million for over 9,000 charities since its inception in 2005. A minimum of 33 percent from each ticket goes to charity, making it a vital source of funding for various causes.
Daily Prizes and Community Support
In addition to supporting charities, the lottery offers daily cash prizes, including £30,000 jackpots and £1,000 prizes for 20 different postcodes every day. This dual approach not only benefits charities but also engages the community in a meaningful way.
Reactions from Mary’s Meals
Laura Chow, a representative from Mary’s Meals, expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s fantastic to know that for a decade our players have supported the essential work of Mary’s Meals—and have now raised an incredible £7 million to help children across the globe access nutritious meals.”
Gemma Love, another spokesperson for the charity, added, “We are incredibly grateful to People’s Postcode Lottery players in Devon, whose ongoing support is helping us reach more children than ever before with a daily school meal that encourages learning, brings hope and changes lives.”
Voices from the Beneficiaries
Children who benefit from these meals also share their experiences. One child, Efigénia, remarked, “With school meals, I feel good because even with a lack of food at home, here at school I have a meal and I can study.”
Looking Ahead
Mary’s Meals aims to reach even more children in the coming years. Gemma Love noted, “Seeing the difference this support makes for children and communities inspires us to keep going and to reach even more children in the years ahead.” The ongoing partnership with the People’s Postcode Lottery is crucial for this mission.
