Former Scotland international Stephen O'Donnell has thrown his support behind a charity appeal to provide meals for hungry children in Haiti, just days before the two nations face off in the World Cup.
World Cup Clash Highlights Haiti's Crisis
Scotland will play their first World Cup match in 28 years when they take on Haiti in Boston this Sunday. For Haiti, this is only their second World Cup appearance and first since 1974, a remarkable achievement given the dire conditions in their home country.
Armed conflict has intensified in Haiti, with gangs now controlling an estimated 90% of the capital city. Widespread violence has devastated the economy, agriculture, and supply chains, plunging the nation into its worst hunger crisis in history. More than half of the population currently faces acute food insecurity, and children are the hardest hit. Many are being recruited into armed gangs, lured by the promise of food.
Mary's Meals: A Lifeline for Haitian Children
Mary's Meals, the school feeding charity founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, has been providing meals in Haiti since 2006. Under normal circumstances, the charity reaches over 196,000 children every school day, offering food, energy to learn, and hope for the future. In response to the escalating crisis, Mary's Meals launched an emergency appeal. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of Scots, donations have already funded nearly 900,000 meals for hungry children.
Stephen O'Donnell's Call to Action
Stephen O'Donnell, a former Scotland international and current Motherwell player from Wishaw, is backing the appeal. He said: 'While all eyes will be on the pitch on Sunday, the match also shines a spotlight on Haiti's challenges off the pitch. The game holds so much excitement for me, my former teammates, the Tartan Army, and all of Scotland, but it gives everyone a chance to reflect on what's happening in Haiti. As a father, I can only imagine how it feels to struggle to feed your children amid violence and the threat of recruitment into gangs. I'm thankful there's a charity in Scotland helping those in need, and I know the incredible work Mary's Meals does in turning just one 10 pence coin into a nutritious meal for a child.'
Calling on people in Lanarkshire to contribute, O'Donnell added: 'It's incredible—but not unexpected—that so many Scots have already responded to Mary's Meals' rallying call. I'd urge anyone who has a spare 10p to follow in their footsteps. Although we'll all be hoping for a Scotland victory this weekend, we can also support Haiti by donating to the appeal and providing a brighter future for Haiti's next generation. Hopefully, we'll see some of the children fed by Mary's Meals at a future World Cup too.'
Charity's Response
Mary's Meals UK Media Manager and Scotland fan Gary Armstrong said: 'For the past 20 years, Scottish donations have helped feed children in Haiti. Today, our school feeding programme is more necessary than ever given the brutal violence and daily challenges families face. We'd like to thank Stephen for his support and the hundreds of people across the country who have responded to our appeal. Scots are known worldwide for their friendliness and generosity, which we're sure will be seen in the US in the coming weeks. By helping friends in Haiti we haven't yet met, this kindness has already been shown before a ball has been kicked.'
