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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 7:21:52 GMT -5
 What does the lion say? @gerardbutler shows talent for teaching at @marysmeals school feeding programme in Liberia/photo/1 |
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 7:37:45 GMT -5
Film star Gerard Butler volunteers for Mary's Meals charity in Liberia /photo/1  Video Interview: news.stv.tv/west-central/257665-gerard-butler-volunteers-for-marys-meals-childrens-charity/Film star Gerard Butler volunteers for Mary's Meals charity in Liberia "Scots film star Gerard Butler volunteered for a charity that provides meals for hundreds of the world's poorest children in Liberia. During a four-day trip in Africa this month, the actor helped cooks prepare and serve meals to school pupils on behalf of Mary's Meals. Paisley-born Butler said he loved the experience and was inspired to get more involved with the charity, after he helped out in a school maths class, played football with children and danced with local villagers. Mary's Meals was set up by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow in a shed in Dalmally, Argyll, but has grown into an international school feeding programme, working in countries where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education. It also sends backpacks filled with school essentials around the world to ensure children can make the most of their time in class. Butler, 44, presented Mr MacFarlane-Barrow with an award in 2010 and has supported the charity since. The actor said: "I have come to know Mary's Meals but I had no idea of what that really meant until I came to see what is possible with this organisation and the effect it can have on the lives of so many children. "One of the things that I have been struck by during this visit is the strength of people's dignity, and what I love about Mary's Meals is that it is all about retaining this. They don't operate a free system where people are just taking; instead it is all about respecting and promoting the lives of people, their culture and what they are capable of. "I've seen a lot of these communities becoming more energised and alive, and what Mary's Meals does is that it helps create a sense of community that goes way beyond the feeding programme itself." Mary's Meals has been working in Liberia since 1994 and the school feeding programme in the country is the second biggest run by the charity after Malawi. It now reaches more than 820,000 children around the world. Mr MacFarlane-Barrow added: "I really wanted Gerry to come out to Liberia because of the huge need there. There are so many children out of school in Liberia - a little less than half attend school and there are major problems with malnutrition amongst the youngest children. "It has been an incredible few days with Gerry. He has a great gift with kids. It has been wonderful watching him go into classrooms where he has brought the children out of themselves. Immediately he forms this bond with them, and children respond to him. He has brought so much joy to the kids receiving Mary's Meals and I hope that, through his commitment to raise awareness of our work, we can reach many more children with Mary's Meals." |
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 7:52:56 GMT -5
 Elenoire! /photo/1/large Ace article in The Metro today with Gerard Butler in Liberia supporting the work of @marysmeals 
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2013 9:44:01 GMT -5
I have no words!  Isn't this man so special! I hope his support of Mary's Meals helps this wonderful organization. Have to comment that I cannot believe Gerry is playing soccer without his shoes on, now that is a real MAN! (watch out for snakes Gerry) Thanks ladies for all of the news and wonderful videos. shellie |
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Post by mina on Dec 20, 2013 11:43:14 GMT -5
Thank you very much girls!  Gerard is really happy!!   This reminds me of MGP  |
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 12:34:21 GMT -5
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Post by elenoire on Dec 20, 2013 14:38:46 GMT -5
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Post by lifesrose on Dec 20, 2013 17:03:55 GMT -5
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Post by TeePat on Dec 20, 2013 19:03:41 GMT -5
Thank you so much for posting all these marvelous pics! It's so wonderful that Gerry is involved with Mary's Meals and that he could see firsthand the good this organization is doing. One pic is better than the next! I'm in love all over again and I'm so proud of Gerry!   |
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 20:37:33 GMT -5
AGREE!!  This picture melts my heart!!!  and also I adore those of him playing football barefoot (he looks like a kid  ) Thank so much Elenoire for posting!!! 
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 21:21:10 GMT -5
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 21:23:56 GMT -5
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Post by Lily on Dec 20, 2013 21:25:42 GMT -5
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Post by scottishdreamer on Dec 20, 2013 23:08:17 GMT -5
Thank you ladies for posting all these amazing photos and videos! It's almost too much for my brain and heart to handle.
I am so proud and pleased that Gerry went and joined in with the locals in their lives for a short time. The photos and videos are amazing. This is as good if not better than a movie. This is Gerry being Gerry which is the best thing ever!
What a big kid playing with the kids and entertaining them. He's so fun. Then we get the serious mature Gerry talking about the charity and how it is impacting him and them. He's wonderful in promoting anything and amazing at fitting into any situation. I have to say I was really impressed with his native dancing. That boy can move!
I love the shot with the bucket on his head...adorable. My fave photo is the one of him with the little girl on his lap while he rests his chin on her head. That's the little girl that was so shy when he gave her food and he said she was overwhelmed. Isn't it like Gerry to go make friends with her and she ends up on his lap?
The heartbreaking part to me is when he asks the little boy about his mom and dad. It's almost straight out of Machine Gun Preacher. Isn't it? Makes me cry.
Thank you Magnus for being there for these kids and to Gerry for helping promote the charity. We always knew his mum had a huge influence on him.
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Post by fifiserafino on Dec 21, 2013 2:06:18 GMT -5
This is my favourite pic - holding the little girl confidently with both hands, balanced on his knee while she checks him out. You can almost feel those little limbs in your own hands. He is such a natural with kids.  |
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