Scottish Catholic Observer

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 MP Donald Cameron were among those to back SCIAF’S Wee Box Lenten appeal.

The politicians were pictured with giant Wee Boxes outside the Scottish Parliament (above) as they voiced their support for the charity, which works to support individuals in some of the world’s poorest countries.

“The important work that SCIAF does through their appeals makes a huge difference to thousands of people struggling to survive,” John Swinney said.

“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.”

Helping the vulnerable

The charity’s appeal will this year tell the story of how they are helping vulnerable young people in Uganda, who are affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and the legacy of war.

SCIAF, who helped over 207,000 people in 27 countries last year alone, are helping the young people in Uganda by helping them to grow food and earn a living to support both themselves and their families.

Following last year’s Wee Box appeal, which saw dedicated supporters in Scotland donate almost £1.7 million, Richard Leonard spoke of the Wee Box appeal as a ‘Lenten staple’ for many families and places of work, while Donald Cameron urged people to get involved in order to ‘make big changes happen with a Wee Box.’