Charity weekend to raise cash

Blairgowrie’s Mary’s Meals support group is running a craft weekend at Easter Balgersho Barn and Gardens near Coupar Angus from Friday to Sunday this week

Open from 10am to 4pm each day, the weekend will feature an exhibition of art and textile crafts as well as sales of cake and candy, plants, toys, bric-abrac, jewellery, knitwear and books.

There will also be a children’s quiz, tombola and raffle.

The event replaces Mary’s Meals usual annual coffee morning, which has been postponed again this year due to coronavirus outbreak restrictions.

Organisers have said that Covid guidance will be strictly adhered to, which means that they are unable to serve teas and coffee.

However, tea boxes filled with a selection of goodies and drinks will be available to purchase, with proceeds going towards the fundraising efforts, and those attending are encouraged to bring a rug or a chair to enjoy a picnic.

Mary’s Meals has adapted its school feeding model as schools have closed across the world to ensure that hungry children do not go without food.

Food was distributed to communities for the children to eat at home while home schooling.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Mary’s Meals is now feeding 1.8 million children in 19 countries, giving these children a chance to learn and thrive.

“Providing daily meals at home in Malawi is helping to solve the problems of food shortages in rural communities in the wake of Covid 19, allowing children to have a nutritious meal before starting lessons.

“The Blairgowrie group supports Kankhunkwe School in Northern Malawi and we receive a report every year.

“Pupil numbers go up and more children attain certificates to enable them to go on to higher education.”

For more information about the local group, email info@marysmeals.org.uk or call 01250 875086.