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Aver, the World’s First Fully Decentralized Web3 Betting Platform, Closes $7.5M Seed Funding Round

Aver

Aver, a decentralized peer-to-peer betting exchange built on the Solera blockchain, today announced it raised $7.5 million in seed funding. The raise was led by Jump Crypto, which along with its affiliate Jump Capital, is a key player in both the crypto and sports betting venture capital domain. The project also drew backing from other venture capital heavyweights, including Mirana Ventures, Susquehanna International Group, Genesis Block Ventures, Serum Ventures, Blue Pool Capital, MEXC, Gate.io, Petrock Capital and Solar Eco Fund. The seed round will be used to help bring the world’s first decentralized Web3 betting platform to market as well as fund development and legal regulatory operating costs. The platform expects to launch in mid-2022, after a closed beta in Q1 2022. The innovation underlying Aver is a blockchain protocol which enables peer-to-peer matching of bets in a way that does not require a ‘trusted middleman’ - as is the case in a traditional bookmaker or exchange such as Betfair. This enables betting at a fraction of the cost as compared and eliminates counterparty risk. Aver has ambitions to move to an open-source structure over time, allowing for third parties to build applications on top of the technology, such as new features, interfaces and markets, and supporting the continued development of the Aver ecosystem. The investor line-up represents some highly strategic investment partners for the ambitious early-stage project - including heavyweights in both the sports betting and crypto trading domains and connections to some of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. Peter Johnson, Partner at Jump Crypto - “At Jump, we are excited about the future of Web3, sports betting, and the confluence of these two areas. We believe Aver’s approach to decentralized sports betting can increase transparency, reduce costs, and enable operations at a global scale.” Dean Carlson, Head of Digital Asset Investments at Susquehanna - “Aver brings real innovation to the betting industry. Its open and decentralized mechanism of exchange has the potential to really disrupt the traditional betting markets - facilitating more fluid trading, greater price transparency and returning a significant chunk of the profit margins back to users.” David Toh, Partner at Mirana Ventures - “In many respects, blockchain and Web3 technology is still in its infancy, and we are still in the early stages of wider adoption. Part of the challenge ahead is designing a product that offers users all of the many benefits of decentralization - but without any compromise to user experience and ease-of-use versus traditional platforms. From what we’ve seen to date, we are confident that the Aver team can deliver on that.” The Aver platform is built on Solana - a blockchain network which has gathered much attention in recent months, as it boasts transaction costs and processing times approximately 1/1,000th of that on Ethereum. The team behind Aver has already brought a proof of concept technology to fruition as part of the Solana Ignition Hackathon, claiming a top spot and recognition among the hundreds of promising applications of the blockchain technology in the decentralized finance (‘DeFi’) space. For more information on Aver, please visit the project on Twitter @AverBet or at aver.bet. ABOUT AVER Founded in 2021, Aver is a decentralized peer-to-peer betting exchange built on the Solana blockchain and the world’s first decentralized Web3 betting exchange. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://aver.bet/

January 24, 2022 09:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

Spotlight Sports Group Announces Title Sponsorship of the FSGA Winter Conference

Spotlight Sports Group

Spotlight Sports Group, a world-leading technology, content and media company specializing in sports betting and fantasy sports, announced the company will be the title sponsor of the upcoming Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) Winter Conference at the LINQ Hotel in Las Vegas on Feb. 15-16. The FSGA Winter Conference brings together fantasy sports, sports betting and gaming executives from across the world to network and discuss major trends in the marketplace, new technologies and emerging legislation and regulation impacting the entire sports gaming industry. In addition to breakout panels and keynotes, the conference features an awards ceremony and an innovation pitch competition. Spotlight Sports Group’s SVP of Business Development, Rick Wolf is a founding member of the FSGA and will co-host the event. As the title sponsor of the event, Wolf will also provide the opening remarks to start the conference focused on the massive expansion of sports betting and gaming set to take place for 2022. “With the emerging legalization of sports betting across America, specifically in states with large populations like California and Texas, companies have a limited time to take advantage of the gold rush. In 2022 alone, we’re predicting the number of American sports bettors with legal access to sports betting could double, from less than 40% to close to 75%,” said Wolf. “This year’s conference will explore all the ways businesses can innovate and create sustainable revenue streams before it's too late to scale efficiently.” In addition to the title sponsorship, the company will co-sponsor a free-to-play game for all attendees alongside the FSGA. Spotlight developed the free-to-play game through its self-service game engine. The game concept provides the FSGA audience a proof of concept of how companies can quickly bring to market a coveted user engagement tool like free-to-play games. The prop-style free-to-play game will be available to all attendees and will feature a prize of an autographed NFL jersey. “For more than 20 years, the FSGA has been at the forefront of progress for the fantasy, sports betting and gaming industries,” said Harry von Behr, Spotlight’s managing director of sport and co-US CEO. “Spotlight is one of the only companies to provide a full-service technology and content offering across the entire fantasy sports, sports betting and gaming industries. The sponsorship is a natural extension of our capabilities, providing value and insights to all those in attendance.” For more information regarding the conference and other attendees here: https://thefsga.org/fsga-winter-conference/ ABOUT SPOTLIGHT SPORTS GROUP Spotlight Sports Group (owned by Exponent Private Equity) is a leading technology, content and media business specializing in sports betting. Evolved from the Racing Post Group, Spotlight Sports Group engages millions of people directly through Racing Post, Pickswise, Free Super Tips, Fantasy Alarm and myracing. The company also has decades of experience in powering growth and conversion for the world’s biggest sportsbooks and media companies, delivering best-in-class technology and expert scalable content experiences in more than 70 languages. Contact Details Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.spotlightsportsgroup.com/en_us/

January 20, 2022 12:08 PM Eastern Standard Time

Tackling Debt while Living Life Mentally, Physically and Financially Well

YourUpdateTV

January is financial wellness month, and with increased spending during the holiday season and inflation driving up costs, now is the perfect time to learn more about personal finances and how to manage debt. Recently, Chief Client Operations Officer at National Debt Relief, Natalia Brown, conducted a satellite media tour to discuss how to rethink and take action on our financial well-being. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dXoT0jOqpmc National Debt Relief announced, “The Hidden Cost of Debt,” a multi-phase initiative that aims to destigmatize debt and bring awareness to the mental and physical health implications that often come along with the burden of debt. Kicking off the platform this Financial Wellness Month, the debt relief brand has reimagined their mission and company commitment to taking a human-first approach to personal finances and debt relief. National Debt Relief issued a national survey among 2,000 Americans struggling with debt, which revealed a hunger for debtors to have a game plan in place so they feel confident in their ability to tackle debt while living their life mentally, physically and financially well. National Debt Relief has helped over 400,000 clients resolve unsecured debt by working with creditors and banks to negotiate down the total amount owed in as little as 24-48 months. What’s more, 95% of clients are in a better financial situation, and they are 4x more likely to reach their financial goals and save after one month of completing National Debt Relief’s program. The multi-phased initiative rolling out throughout the first quarter will uniquely position the brand to positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people on their journey to become debt-free and address some of the brand’s survey findings: The average American loses more than 200 hours of sleep per year due to debt worries and has three “debt nightmares” a week 3 in 5 Americans have considered putting off marriage to avoid inheriting their partner’s debt while 54% believe having a partner who is in debt is a major reason to get a divorce Respondents reported an increase in anxiety, stress, and moodiness because of their debt problems To get started on the path to financial stability, visit nationaldebtrelief.com or call 800-930-1484 for a free consultation. About Natalia Brown: Natalia Brown joined National Debt Relief (NDR) in 2010 and has served as Chief Client Operations Officer since 2019. Natalia plays a vital role in NDR's client journey, overseeing all client-facing operations of the business that sets the foundation to ensure clients’ success. She manages a team of more than 400 representatives and is responsible for creating a collaborative and efficient environment that allows her team to provide an unmatched level of support and guidance to clients on their path to financial stability. About National Debt Relief: National Debt Relief (NDR), a BBB A Accredited business that helps consumers get out of debt and is committed to empowering people on their financial journey, bringing them back to living their lives and away from focusing on debt. NDR offers a successful alternative to bankruptcy, credit counseling or taking on new loans. As a top-rated debt relief company in the U.S., NDR is proud to have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people on their journey to become debt-free. NDR wants to make sure clients succeed and have the best chance to regain control of their finances. Founded in 2009, NDR is values-centric; built on integrity, growth and connection. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 19, 2022 06:58 PM Eastern Standard Time

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NEWSRAEL APPOINTED MOSHE BAR ZVI CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Newsrael

Mr. Bar-Zvi, who served as President and CEO of the Jerusalem Post, and is the owner of Footsteps Ltd., the Loveisrael.com brand, and the Israel Now News production company, purchased shares in the popular live feed brand NEWSRAEL, and was appointed chairman of the board. NEWSRAEL President, Reserve Brigadier General Gal Hirsch said: "On behalf of all the shareholders and employees of the company, I congratulate Moshe on joining us. This is a man who has worked and is working for many years for Israeli "Hasbara" in the world, with many successful campaigns. I am convinced that Moshe will work tirelessly to promote the popular pro-Israel live feed we have created in the last two years." NEWSRAEL Vice President Dr. Mordechai Kedar said: "As one who joined the company last year and saw the significant progress in content and software that NEWSRAEL has made in the past year, I am convinced that such a quality product now needs a partner like Mr. Bar Zvi, who has significant connections among our community, and that will help us spread our pro-Israel live feed in these communities and circles, that he can and should reach. I wish Moshe great success." Moshe Bar Zvi, Chairman of the board of NEWSRAEL, said: "I am happy to join the quality and purposeful team of NEWSRAEL, and I am convinced that I will succeed in the important task of exposing NEWSRAEL to wide audiences, with an emphasis on Christian viewers who love Israel, numbering half a billion people." NEWSRAEL was founded and is managed by the media entrepreneur Ronen Lefler, who also founded the ILTV daily newscast, the Jerusalem Post conference and the Times of Israel Gala. For getting fresh 24/7 live feed news items from Israel: NEWSRAEL app in google play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newsrael NEWSRAEL app in app store: https://apps.apple.com/il/app/newsrael/id1492614168 NEWSRAEL website in desktop and mobile: www.newsrael.com NEWSRAEL Clip: https://youtu.be/DsjXCGM4EsA Contact Details NEWSRAEL Ronen Lefler, CEO +972 50-205-2625 ronen@newsrael.com Company Website https://www.newsrael.com/

January 19, 2022 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Simple Recipes and Tips to Engage the Kids in the Kitchen After Holiday Break

YourUpdateTV

A new year brings the return of hectic school schedules, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye to the quality family time that was cherished during the holidays. Recently, mom, self-taught cook and recipe developer, Siri Daly, partnered with Juicy Juice 100% juice on a satellite media tour to share tips and recipes to help parents stay connected with their kids through cooking. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Rl0LP-7fyQY After a year like no other, It’s more important than ever to continue to spend time together, even when families return to busy, action-packed and activity-filled schedules. No matter how busy life gets, Juicy Juice can help parents make the most of time with their family. To inspire families to cook up some fun in the kitchen, Siri Daly is sharing simple, easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipes. Parents can make them with their kids as a way to spend quality time together. These simple recipes call for “a little bit of this, a little bit of that” and their favorite Juicy Juice 100% juice. A taste of Siri’s original parent- and kid-friendly recipes: Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars – Crunch, spice & everything nice! These bars are a fantastic and easy on-the-go snack and are bursting with apple flavor. They are also the perfect addition to the lunchbox. Fruit Punch Smoothie Bowl – A deliciously juicy breakfast for your little loved ones. The bowl is basically a deconstructed smoothie made with lots of berries, creamy yogurt, and Juicy Juice 100% Juice Fruit Punch. Spinach & White Grape Frozen Pops – While these fun frozen ice pops may be packed with spinach, you wouldn’t even know it! With sweet pineapple and Juicy Juice 100% Juice in White Grape, these make an ideal “anytime” snack. Juicy Juice will be releasing additional recipes through June on juicyjuice.com/SIRIouslyFunCooking to provide families with seasonal snack and mealtime ideas throughout the year. SIRIously Fun Sweepstakes Juicy Juice is also giving parents the chance to win a $100 gift card for groceries to make Siri’s recipes, including Juicy Juice 100% juice. Each day through Friday, February 25, five winners will receive $100 gift cards, that’s 50 days of prizes! Parents need to only submit the online entry form at juicyjuice.com/siriouslyfunsweepstakes for a chance to win. Winners will also receive a signed copy of Siri Daly’s book, Siriously Delicious: 100 Nutritious (and Not So Nutritious) Simple Recipes for the Real Home Cook as an additional prize to further explore their skills in the kitchen and bond over creating more delicious dishes. For more recipes and tips from Siri, please visit juicyjuice.com/SIRIouslyFun and be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About Siri Daly Siri Daly is a mom, a self-taught cook and a recipe developer. She is also the founder of Siriously Delicious, a popular food blog that chronicles real-life cooking, and a former Food Contributor on the TODAY Show where she still regularly appears as a guest chef for cooking segments. In addition, Siri has a cookbook called Siriously Delicious: 100 Nutritious (and Not So Nutritious) Simple Recipes for the Real Home Cook. Siri, along with her husband Carson Daly and their four children live in the greater New York area. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 18, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Osmo From BYJU’s Names Peter Glovin Senior Vice President of Educational Sales

Osmo for Schools

Award-winning STEAM brand, Osmo from BYJU’S, announces Peter Glovin’s appointment as Senior VP of Educational Sales, effective immediately. In this role, Glovin, a seasoned senior edtech sales executive, will develop and implement a U.S. sales strategy for the brand’s educational sales division, Osmo Education, as well as expand its sales team, targeting the Pre-K to Grade 5 education market. Osmo Education celebrated its fifth anniversary last March. “Peter’s proven background in edtech sales and business development will undoubtedly help open doors for Osmo in the education field,” says Cherian Thomas, Senior Vice President of International Business at Osmo from BYJU’S. “While we’ve seen tremendous support from kindergarten and elementary teachers in the past five years who individually purchased Osmo to use inside classrooms across the country, we’d love to build sales and begin support for the education community at the district level.” Glovin’s remarkable track record of success and longevity in sales is defined by his expertise in creating and implementing innovative sales programs, and providing targeted solutions for high-level customers. He was previously Senior Vice President of Sales at MIDAS Education where he led sales efforts for K-12, Higher Ed and Workforce development markets. “I see enormous growth potential for Osmo in the education market,” says Glovin. “The combination of tactile exploration and innovative technology is a powerful package that will help transform the way students learn while in school, and I’m energized by the shared vision that its learning system will be used by many more school kids in the near term, in addition to the focus and dedication of the team leading Osmo. I’m very excited to be part of the worldwide growth of BYJU’S.” Prior to MIDAS Education, Glovin was Vice President of District Relations at BrainPOP, where he led sales efforts for the K-12 supplemental content segment, increasing sales 500% between 2008 and 2019, and helping to expand the company’s domestic K-12 market share to 35%, plus building presence in key states like Texas, New York, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and California. He was also closely involved in STEM-related product launches and liaising with industry advocacy groups. Before BrainPOP, Glovin held a number of business development roles for educational technology companies. In his early career, he held marketing roles with a number of media and publishing companies. Glovin has a B.A. from Hobart College. About Osmo from BYJU’S Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand, wholly owned by BYJU’S, the leading global edtech company. Osmo from BYJU’s and Osmo Education products are used in over 2.5 million homes and 50,000 classrooms, respectively. Osmo builds a universe of hands-on, curriculum-based learning experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The brand brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com and Osmo Education. Contact Details Osmo Lisa Fujioka lisa@tangibleplay.com Company Website http://schools.playosmo.com

January 18, 2022 05:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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The True Cost of Owning a Pet

YourUpdateTV

According to a new Synchrony CareCredit study, seven out of ten pet parents consider their pets as members of the family, yet nearly half underestimated the lifetime cost of care, which ranges from $20K-$55K for dogs and $15K-$45K for cats. The study, entitled “Lifetime of Care,” is based on findings from 1,200 pet owners and 100 veterinarians. Recently, Pet Expert and Author, Andrea Arden, teamed with Synchrony to discuss the survey results and what pet parents can expect. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/N8Rwav2Wws8 The research covered an exhaustive list of dog and cat expenses, from first-year expenses (spaying/neutering, vaccinations, pet supplies) to food and health insurance, to end-of-life expenses. The three biggest takeaways for pet parents all point to need for financial preparedness: Pet owners spend as much as $55,000 during a pet’s lifetime. Nearly half of pet owners underestimate the cost of caring for their pets. 30 million U.S. households will face an unexpected pet expense that will cause them financial worry. Pet ownership is on the rise across the United States, and pet parents are spending more than ever before on their pets -- two trends rapidly accelerated by the pandemic. Today, 90.5 million U.S. homes now include a pet. And, one in five households acquired a new pet during the pandemic. The pandemic further fueled the growth of pet ownership, while definitively proving the importance of pet companionship for our overall mental health and wellbeing. Synchrony seeks to build further awareness for the options that can help pet owners be financially prepared, from pet insurance like Pets Best, to pet care credit cards like CareCredit. Together, CareCredit and Pets Best offer a complete financial solution, and card holders can pay for services using their CareCredit card, and then apply the reimbursement from Pets Best towards their CareCredit account. Together, CareCredit and Pets Best help with routine veterinary expenses like annual check-ups, teeth cleaning, microchipping and unexpected emergencies. Unlike other credit cards, CareCredit is a great resource for pet parents because it has deferred interest (up to 18 months), and it’s offered at approximately 25K veterinarian clinics around the country. For more information, visit petlifetimeofcare.com About Andrea Arden Andrea Arden is the author of Barron’s Dog Training Bible, Dog-Friendly Dog Training, Train Your Dog the Lazy Way, and The Little Book of Dog Tricks. Andrea has served as pet expert for Animal Planet, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and The Today Show, and on the Board of Directors of The Animal Legal Defense Fund, Pets for Patriots The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and Animal Haven Shelter. As the director of Andrea Arden Dog Training, she and her team of experienced and compassionate behavior experts help people develop better relationships with their canine companions using a humane, positive, and scientifically sound approach. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 14, 2022 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Thriving During Dry January

YourUpdateTV

Dry January – kicking off the New Year by cutting out alcohol for an entire month – is a trend that more and more people are embracing each year. After indulging over the holidays, it’s no surprise that so many people hit the reset button in January. Recently, Co-Founders of Athletic Brewing Company, Bill Shufelt and John Walker, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss changing the narrative around Dry January, industry trends, and much more. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/eGqAehAxn5w Athletic Brewing believes consumers shouldn’t have to “suffer” through a sober January, but instead continue to celebrate in a healthy way by substituting alcoholic beverages with delicious craft brews that forgo the booze but not the taste. “After indulging over the holidays, it’s no surprise that so many people hit the reset button in January,” said Athletic Brewing Company Co-founder Bill Shufelt. “We want to help people shift their mindset and make January into less of a sacrifice. The conversation around non-alcoholic beer has changed. It’s no longer about restricting yourself. It’s about rewarding yourself and making better choices.” The non-alcoholic beer market in the U.S. surged to $230 million in 2020. Despite the continuing pandemic, the craft non-alcoholic beer category is up over 300% year-to-date again this year (Nielsen). In just four years of operation, the company has grown from one 10,000 barrel capacity brewery headquartered in Connecticut to an additional 125,000 barrels in San Diego in 2020. In 2022, Athletic will open its third brewery, allowing them to brew more than 150,000 barrels on each, the East and West Coasts to keep up with surging consumer demand. With that level of capacity, Athletic will continue its distribution growth domestically and into new international markets Nearly 50 percent of American adults consume 0.1 drinks or less per week and Athletic offers a beverage that can be enjoyed seven days a week, at any time of day, in just about any venue or occasion. For more information, visit athleticbrewing.com About Bill Shufelt: Co-Founder, Athletic Brewing Company. When Bill Shufelt decided to get healthier and cut back on alcohol, he sought out a flavorful beer to fit his lifestyle. He soon realized there was nothing like that on the market. He wondered if he was left unsatisfied by the current nonalcoholic beer offerings, how many others like him were out there in thirsty silence? In 2017, with a community of like-minded individuals, Bill started Athletic Brewing, the first U.S. based beverage company devoted exclusively to brewing high-quality, nonalcoholic craft beer. Skepticism gave Athletic a first-mover advantage – today, the non-alcoholic beer category is the fastest-growing segment of the entire beer industry – with Athletic Brewing Company at the helm representing over 45% of the category. About John Walker: Co-Founder and Head Brewer, Athletic Brewing Company. John Walker was the Head Brewer at Second Street Brewery in 2017 when Bill invited him to re-imagine what non-alcoholic beer could taste like. It took hundreds of test batches, but the final beer was exceptional. Athletics’ beers have earned accolades throughout the industry, measuring up against full-strength beers, including three gold medals at the US Open Beer Championship 2021 and the recognition of “Craft Brewery of the Year” by Brewbound Magazine. The proprietary process developed by Athletic uses all-natural ingredients to make great-tasting craft beer that just happens to be nonalcoholic. At only 50-70 calories per can, Athletic brews fit into any occasion, so that drinkers don’t have to choose between having great beer or feeling great the next day. About Athletic Brewing: International Beer Challenge 2020 “Brewer of the Year North America,” Athletic Brewing Company is reimagining beer for the modern, active adult. Their great-tasting craft brews let you enjoy the refreshing taste of craft beer, without the alcohol or the hangover. You can enjoy them anytime, anywhere, and still be healthy, active, and at your best; it’s the very reason they started brewing them in the first place. With custom breweries on the east and west coasts, their lineup has earned accolades throughout the industry, even against full-strength beers, including the 2020 World Beer Award Gold medal for Run Wild. To top it all off, as part of the Athletic Brewing “Two for the Trails” initiative, 2% of all sales are donated to trail and park cleanups and maintenance. Additionally, as a part of their IMPACT Program, 1% of revenue goes to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up in their communities. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 13, 2022 01:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Mary’s Meals Launches New School Feeding Program in Yemen

Mary's Meals USA

Mary’s Meals, the global school feeding charity, has started a new program in Yemen. The organization currently feeds more than two million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest communities, offering children not only the sustenance of a nutritious meal, but also the chance of an education and hope for a brighter future. Working in partnership with established international nongovernmental operation (NGO), Yemen Aid, Mary’s Meals will now provide four schools in the Al Mansoora district of Aden with daily meals for more than 4,000 children. This district is particularly vulnerable as it is home to a large number of internally displaced people (IDPs) and other marginalized populations who all experience high levels of hunger. Building on Yemen Aid’s existing relationships with these communities and their leaders, Mary’s Meals successfully implemented a daily meal of a filled pita bread sandwich with fruit or vegetables for every child in school. In Yemen, poverty and conflict often keep children out of education and coercion into child labor can become a real threat. The serving of a nutritious lunch encourages children and attracts them back into the security of the classroom. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals, said, “Mary’s Meals always has a desire to support those in the greatest need. Given that Yemen can be described as the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, and so many children are suffering, we are delighted to begin serving our daily school meals there – meeting the immediate need of the hungry child and, crucially, at the same time, enabling their education. We thank all those supporting our work in ways that make it possible for us to keep moving forward towards the next child waiting.” Yemen Aid was founded in 2016 by CEO Summar Nasser and a group of fellow Yemeni Americans in response to the protracted humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Mary’s Meals contacted Yemen Aid to see how a school feeding program might benefit the children in Yemen, after reading about the organization’s crucial work. Kathryn Gemmell, Program Partner Manager at Mary’s Meals International, said, “Yemen Aid has been doing invaluable work in the country for several years now and they have developed strong links with local communities. We are grateful to be able to learn from their experience and to work in close partnership with them to serve the children of Yemen.” Summer Nasser, CEO of Yemen Aid, said, “As we embark on this new relationship with Mary’s Meals, our hope is to increase support to children by tackling hunger through strategic, sustainable approaches in the education sector. The school feeding program will broaden the horizon for these students who have been losing interest in school and provide more security for parents.” Currently, Yemen Aid provides thousands of food baskets to displaced people and communities and supports thousands of malnourished children. They also provide support and advice with hygiene, health and welfare issues. Additionally, they run a number of women’s programs, supporting female farmers, supplying resources to female businesses and offering skills enhancement and psychosocial support. Background info on the Crisis in Yemen UNICEF references Yemen as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with around 21 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 11 million children. The escalating conflict and economic decline mean nearly 2.3 million children under five years of age are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, says a February 2021 report by four UN agencies. 400,000 of these fledgling children are expected to die if they do not receive urgent treatment. Note to Editors: Interviews with Mary's Meals leadership and additional images are available upon request. About Mary’s Meals Mary's Meals is a global movement that sets up school feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. Mary’s Meals works with in-country volunteers to provide one daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically poor children into the classroom, where they receive an education that can be their ladder out of poverty. Mary’s Meals began by feeding just 200 children in Malawi in 2002. Today, the organization feeds 2,058,099 hungry children every school day across five continents, in the following countries: Benin, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Myanmar, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For more information about Mary’s Meals visit: www.marysmeals.org. Follow Mary’s Meals on Facebook or Instagram. Contact Details Mary's Meals USA Paul McMahon +1 781-910-0904 paul.mcmahon@marysmeals.org Company Website https://www.marysmealsusa.org/

January 13, 2022 08:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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