Politicians from all of Scotland's main parties are backing Sciaf's Lent appeal to support young people in Uganda

Scotland’s top politicians joined forces today to support the Scottish Catholic Interational Aid Fund (Sciaf) Wee Box, Big Change Lent appeal.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Scottish Labour leaders Willie Rennie and Richard Leonard, co-leader of the Scottish Greens parliamentary group Alison Johnstone, and senior Conservative MSP Donald Cameron posed with giant Wee Boxes outside the Scottish Parliament as they gave their backing to the charity’s life-changing work.

Sciaf works with people in some of the poorest countries in the world, providing emergency aid and practical long term support to those affected by hunger, poverty, war and disasters. Last year alone, the charity helped over 207,000 people in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The important work that Sciaf does though its appeals makes a huge difference to thousands of people struggling to survive - John Swinney

This year’s Wee Box BOX appeal tells the story of how SCIAF is helping vulnerable young people in Uganda affected by poverty, HIV and AIDS, and the legacy of war to grow food and earn a living so they can support themselves and their families.

Every year thousands of people across Scotland make personal sacrifices during Lent, like giving up a favourite treat, to raise money for Sciaf's Wee Box, Big Change appeal.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The important work that Sciaf does though its appeals makes a huge difference to thousands of people struggling to survive. The generosity of people across Scotland is central to this and signals to our global neighbours that they can count on our continuing support in their time of need. I would encourage everyone to contribute to this appeal if they can.”

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard MSP added: "The Wee Box appeal is a fantastic initiative which has become a Lenten staple for many families and workplaces.

"In the last year alone Sciaf has directly helped more than 200,000 people throughout the globe.

"It is able to do so because of the generosity of people in communities across Scotland.

"I hope this year's Wee Box appeal is even more successful than the last to allow Sciaf to do even more amazing work fighting poverty, war and hunger."

Find out more about the Wee Box, Big Change campaign.