A home run for Mary’s Meals

The Fraser family has had a love for Mary’s Meals for many years now, starting when Deacon Hyland Fraser first learned about the work of Mary’s Meals at a Marian conference in Winnipeg. Having heard our founder, Magnus McFarlane-Barrow, talk about the work of Mary's Meals and the great need for support, Deacon Hyland jumped into action and never looked back, eventually becoming a board member for Mary’s Meals Canada. Some of his acts of love include, nearly a decade ago, introducing the work of Mary's Meals to the entire Evergreen Catholic School District, which, still to this day, supports Mary's Meals with fundraisers in schools across the district. Deacon Hyland introduced Mary's Meals to parishes in the local Diocese and donated his Deacon stipend to sponsor Wanje Primary School in Malawi. Sadly, he passed away in 2021, but his wife, Harriet, and their family have continued to carry on his legacy of kindness and generosity in many ways.

One of the most significant Fraser family activities is their annual baseball tournament - the Shantini. The event started out as a fundraiser to help cover medical costs for their daughter, Shannon. After her recovery, she no longer needed financial support. Still, the Fraser family carried on with the Shantini and, in honour of their father, now dedicates the proceeds of this tournament to sponsor Chikokola School in Zambia. Because of their ongoing efforts, 313 boys and girls at the school enjoy a daily meal.

This year marked the 14th Annual Shantini and the 4th year that proceeds have supported Mary's Meals. Fifteen teams participated in the event. Team registration fees cover the costs for the event, and all of the proceeds from their silent auction, concession, and beer garden go to Mary's Meals. They raised $7,500 for their school.

Harriet and her family have also worked hard in other endeavors for Mary's Meals, including selling honey and donating the money raised at the cash bar of their granddaughter's wedding.

We may never fully grasp the extent of the Fraser family's impact. Thanks to their dedication, hundreds more people in Canada are now aware of Mary's Meals, and thousands of children have been fed. Our gratitude towards Deacon Hyland, Harriet, and the entire Fraser family is immense. We sincerely thank them for their remarkable actions and the inspiration they provide.

The Fraser family celebrating Mary's Meals feeding 2 million children