Every holiday season, instead of leaning into the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we choose a different approach, one rooted in generosity and meaningful impact.
During our Giving Sale, from November 7 to December 2, we take our commitment even further. Throughout the year, every order placed with us donates one school meal to a child in need through our partnership with Mary’s Meals. But during this special season, we add five additional school meals per order.
It's our way of giving more, not just discounts (though yes, there are up to 40% off select items!), but impacting the lives of those that need help the most.
This season, we sat down with Keli Marshall, Director of Engagement & Operations at Mary’s Meals, to hear more about their mission and how your orders truly make a difference.
About Mary's Meals
“Every day, I’m inspired by how something as simple as a daily meal can transform a child’s future,” Keli shares. “It’s a joy to be part of a movement rooted in love, dignity, and community.”
Mary’s Meals started with a simple belief:
No child should go hungry and every child deserves an education.
Today, that belief fuels a movement feeding over three million children every school day.
More Than Nutrition
Mary’s Meals’ founder Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, was inspired by an encounter with a mother in Malawi who said her greatest wish was for her child to have enough to eat and go to school. That moment sparked a movement.
When we talk about meals, we’re really talking about futures.
“A meal provides stability, dignity, and the chance to dream,” says Keli. “When a child no longer has to worry about hunger, they can focus in class and imagine possibilities for their life.”
Food opens the door to education, and education opens the door to change.
Grace’s Story
We asked Keli to share a story that captures the real-world impact Mary’s Meals provides.
In Malawi, a young girl named Grace used to arrive at school too weak to concentrate.
Since receiving daily meals through Mary’s Meals, she has become one of the top students in her class and now dreams of becoming a teacher. Her story is one of many, showing how consistent nourishment turns potential into promise.
Stories like hers are why we believe so deeply in this partnership.
Community at the Heart
Mary’s Meals is a massive effort built on local partnership and community ownership. Most volunteers come from the same communities where the meals are served, parents, family members and teachers who cook and serve the food each day.
“Our model focuses on simplicity, sustainability, and transparency,” Keli explains. “Every donation has maximum impact.”
Why Giving Matters
“When businesses give back, they help shape a culture of compassion,” says Keli. “Giving becomes a shared purpose that unites people beyond profit.”
This is exactly why it’s important to us to give back on a regular basis, not just during the Giving Sale, although we do double down on our donations, giving back consistently makes a world of a difference to those that need it most.
Looking Ahead, and How You Can Help
Mary’s Meals has a powerful vision: expand to feed over four million children, reaching the world’s most vulnerable.
And every order, from a pair of socks to a gift chosen with intention, helps.
Keli reminds us:
“Every single act of kindness matters… The beauty of Mary’s Meals is that it’s built by ordinary people doing extraordinary things together.”
There are plenty of ways you can get involved. Keli suggests donating, fundraising, or even sharing Mary’s Meals’ story to help spread awareness. Hosting events, setting up workplace giving programs, or sponsoring a school can all make a life-changing difference.
To learn more or get involved directly, visit www.marysmeals.ca
Thank You
During our Giving Sale, your order provides five extra school meals per order.
Together, that means children receive nourishment, access to education, and the chance to dream bigger.
Keli remarks:
“Giving season is a reminder that generosity connects us. For me, it’s a time to reflect on gratitude, for the meals on our own tables and the ability to share that blessing with others. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and choosing to give love in action.”
Thank you for shopping thoughtfully and choosing kindness in a busy season.
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