Political leaders get behind aid groups annual lent fundraiser

Scotland’s party leaders joined forces today to support the Scottish Catholic International Aid Funds's (Sciaf) Wee Box Lent appeal which raises vital funds to help families living with hunger, poverty, war and natural disasters.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative leaders Kezia Dugdale, Willie Rennie and Ruth Davidson, and Green Party co-convenor Patrick Harvie, posed with giant Wee Boxes to highlight their support for the charity’s life-changing work.

This year’s appeal tells the story of how Sciaf is helping poor cattle herders in Ethiopia to cope with drought and climate change. The party leaders were joined by Sciaf visitors from Ethiopia, Tsegaye Challa and Huka Garsa, and its director, Alistair Dutton.

By supporting the Wee Box appeal we are standing together to promote a fairer and better world

Every year thousands of people across Scotland make personal sacrifices during Lent to raise money for the appeal. Other high profile supporters include Scotland football team manager Gordon Strachan, Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross, singer Susan Boyle, entertainer Michelle McManus and comedian Des Clark.

Dutton said: "It’s fantastic to have Scotland’s leaders backing Wee Box. Millions of people around the world continue to go hungry every day due to extreme poverty. We can all help to change this. By giving to the appeal we can make sure that people in some of the poorest countries in the world get the help they need to work their way out of poverty and have a better future.”

Last year, supporters in Scotland donated £1.8million to the appeal. For the second year running, every pound given to the appeal before 4 May will be doubled by the UK government.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Sciaf had a very humble beginning back in 1965 but has now grown to be a Scottish charity that we should all be extremely proud of. They have helped millions of people in the most difficult circumstances to recover from natural disasters and war, and to work their way out of poverty.

“By supporting the Wee Box appeal we are standing together to promote a fairer and better world through the provision of practical help like seeds and farm tools so that people can grow food and support themselves into a better future.”