Special goodbye for charity shop manager

A SPECIAL farewell party has been held in Oban for the much-loved Mary’s Meals shop manager who is leaving her position after nine years.

Marie Rowan, 55, is leaving to prepare for emigrating to Australia where she can be closer to her family.

Marie was ‘very sad’ to be leaving Mary’s Meals. She said: ‘The loyalty of our shop volunteers is incredible. We are one big family, sharing so much laughter and supporting each other during times of need.

‘I love the way Mary’s Meals has brought us all together – people from all walks of life united in the belief we can all do a little something to help make a big difference to impoverished children around the world and to support work in our local community.

‘Mary’s Meals never leaves you. It is in your heart forever. There are still children waiting to receive Mary’s Meals and it is all the little acts of love that allow us to keep reaching out to those children around the world.’

Marie hopes to continue being involved with Mary’s Meals when she emigrates to Australia by taking on a voluntary role to raise awareness of the charity.

The Dalmally-based charity currently provides more than 1.2 million impoverished children with a daily meal every school day.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, global chief executive officer and founder of Mary’s Meals, paid tribute to Marie’s efforts. He said: ‘Marie has been an incredible and impressive member of staff, certainly living the values of Mary’s Meals to the full and beyond.

‘She is loved by the whole town and has an infectious joy and concern for every single person involved, especially those dedicated volunteers who get so much out of becoming part of the Mary’s Meals family.

‘While we are extremely sad to see Marie leave our Oban shop, we are equally grateful she plans to continue playing an important role in spreading the word about Mary’s Meals so far and wide.’

Jennie McMaster from Oban has been appointed to take over from Marie as shop manager.