​Charity pays tribute to generations of fundraisers who have helped tackle global poverty

Christian Aid Week is celebrating its 70th anniversary by praising the generations of Scots who have led the fight against global poverty.

The country’s longest running door-to-door fundraising week was launched on Sunday (10 May) marking 70 years since the charity was set up to help German refugees in the aftermath of the second world war.

And generous Scots are being thanked for their support over the decades, and urged to get behind this year’s efforts to tackle the greatest issues of our time 70 years on - such as discrimination against women, climate change and tax-dodging.

Kathy Galloway, head of Christian Aid Scotland, said: “We have achieved many steps forward over the last 70 years with a great deal of support here in Scotland, but we cannot end world poverty without addressing the fundamental issue of discrimination against women and girls.

There is just as much need for light in the darkness today as there was on VE day in 1945.

“The unequal distribution of power and opportunities between the sexes is at the heart of poverty, and we are working with both men and women in communities around the world to bring about change.”

Leading the call are two Christian Aid supporters from very different generations: Anne Booth-Clibborn from Edinburgh has been supporting Christian Aid since it was set up in 1945, and 5 year old Shona Brown from Clarkston will be going door to door to raise funds this year – as she has been doing since the age of three.

Ann said: “I think the challenges today are different challenges. I have been involved for a long time and I owe a great deal to Christian Aid over the last 70 years. My role now is to cheer from the sidelines in supporting others in the work that they do to overcome today’s unique set of barriers.

“Surely there is just as much need for light in the darkness today as there was on VE day in 1945.”