Deacon Blue stars backed the campaign

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) supporters Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh took time out of touring to thank donors for raising over £1 million for the charity.

Back in February the couple took to the streets of Glasgow to launch the charity’s annual Wee Box, Big Change appeal for some of the world’s poorest people, who continue to be hammered by hunger and climate change.    

Each year generous Scots up and down the country give up a favourite treat such as coffee, chocolate, wine or crisps, and put the money they save into a SCIAF Wee Box. They then donate it to provide a hand-up to vulnerable communities worldwide, struggling to survive due to hunger, poverty and the climate emergency. 

This year, the appeal raised £1,003,0117. 

Lorraine said: “We are absolutely blown away once again by the generosity of the people of Scotland in their response to SCIAF’s appeal. In these incredibly hard times, people have once again dug deep and responded to people in dire need.”    

Money raised from the appeal will support SCIAF’s work around the world. This year the appeal focused on the people of Zambia, in southern Africa, particularly around Kabwe, which is one of the most polluted towns in the world. To survive, most families grow their own food in small plots near their homes – it’s a perilous life, very much dictated by the weather. As their climate changes, life becomes more perilous still.  

Ricky said the difference the appeal can make to lives should not be underestimated. He said: “When we travelled with SCIAF, it was heart-breaking to see how many families really struggle to grow the food they need or get the necessities of life we take for granted such as water, a dry home or some money.  

“We would like to say a huge thank you to every single person who has donated. You will never know how much good you have done and what a difference you have made.” 

Penelope Blackwell, SCIAF’s Director of Public Engagement said: “A huge thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to this year’s appeal. We couldn’t have reached such a fantastic total without the fundraising efforts of people across Scotland, particularly those in schools and parishes.  

“The focus of this year’s campaign was Zambia, where people face a daily struggle to find enough to feed their families. Once again, our supporters did not let them down. Up and down the country people gave what they could to help our sisters and brothers living in the world’s poorest places to lift themselves out of poverty. Money from this year’s appeal will support SCIAF’s work around the world to help people overcome their daily struggles, and the structures of injustice that keep them poor.   

“The response has been amazing, and I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for reaching out in loving kindness.”