A Scottish TV star has teamed up with an international school meals charity to encourage hope this festive season.

A Place in the Sun star Jean Johansson is encouraging parents across the country to leave out a Mary’s Meals gift card for Santa to deliver to a hungry child this Christmas.

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Glasgow Times:

The Port Glasgow-raised presenter and mum of one said: “Alongside milk and cookies, my son and I will be leaving out a Mary’s Meals gift card for Santa to pass on to a hungry child this year. These Christmas gift cards cost just £19.15 and will feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year.

“Christmas is a time for giving, and there is no better gift than the gift of hope for a hungry child. Mary’s Meals brings joy to children all year round, and these beautiful cards will allow you to give that joy in the form of a life-changing daily school meal.

"It’s also a great opportunity to introduce children to the idea of giving back at Christmas and showing them how they can help others at this special time of year.”

Mary’s Meals, which was founded in a shed in Dalmally in the Highlands by founder Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. 

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Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement, at Mary’s Meals said: “We’re so grateful to Jean for spreading ho-ho-hope this Christmas and helping us to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

“Our beautiful Christmas cards and gifts will not only put a smile on the faces of your friends, family and Santa Claus himself, but crucially, will change the lives of hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest countries.”

Gift cards, Christmas card packs and other festive gifts including mugs, dog bandanas and 2024 calendars are available to buy now HERE 

Until January 22, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled.