Deacon Blue’s Ricky and Lorraine urge Scots to back the WEE BOX

Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh took to the streets of Glasgow to launch SCIAF's fundraiser for some of the world’s poorest people, who continue to be hammered by hunger and climate change. 

We launched our annual WEE BOX, BIG CHANGE appeal, which raises vital funds for its life-changing work in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

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 WEE BOX. They then donate it at Easter to provide a hand-up to vulnerable communities worldwide, struggling to survive due to hunger, poverty and the climate emergency.

This year, the WEE BOX appeal focusses 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 in Kabwe 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. 

Penelope Blackwell, SCIAF’s Public Engagement Director said:

“Our Lenten appeal this year is so important. 

“There are so many terrible things happening around the world right now, that are in the newspaper every day.

“But there are also ongoing emergencies in countries across the world, that we don’t hear much about; in countries like Zambia where people struggle every day to get food to eat. Places where hunger and poverty are devastating lives.

“We need your help. Please. So we can support people living in the world’s poorest places to lift themselves out of poverty.

“Everything you can give - anything you can give - is just wonderful.”