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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sharon Liptrott

Dumfries woman gathers nearly 40 backpacks to help schoolkids in Malawi

Backpacks filled with school supplies are being sent from the region to children in Malawi to help them get the most from their education.

Vivian Hiddleston of Dumfries took on the challenge of helping the global charity, Mary’s Meals.

And thanks to donations from supporters in the region, she has filled 38 old school bags with notepads, pencils, clothes and other useful educational essentials.

They will go to children receiving a daily meal in school from the charity more than 7,000 miles away in Malawi.

Many of the children do not have basic items for school and the backpacks are often the only gift they have ever received.

Vivian said: “Getting involved in the backpack project was a fun and easy way to play a part in making a difference to so many children that receive Mary’s Meals.

“Filling a backpack with everyday items might seem like a small thing to us but it’s wonderful to think of the huge excitement that it can bring to children in Malawi
receiving one.”

Emma Hutton, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, said: “We are so grateful for the support we have received for our Backpack Project which is helping children receiving Mary’s Meals to learn and grow, so they can look forward to a brighter future.

“It’s truly wonderful to see the immense joy these bags bring to each child who receives one and to see their faces light up when they pull out a simple item from their backpacks such as a pencil or ball.”

For more information on what to donate and how the project works, please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/backpack or call 0800 698 1212.

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