Scottish Catholic Observer

A SCIAF campaign is underway to help the charitable give original and meaningful presents to friends this Easter whilst making a unique contribution to the lives of those less fortunate.

The Catholic charity has revealed a new catalogue featuring Real Gifts that gives people the opportunity to buy much needed supplies and resources for those in need in developing countries.

Gifts available include chickens (£14), a goat (£30), shelter for families affected by emergencies like the typhoon in the Philippines (£25), and help to plant an allotment which provides seeds and tools (£19).

To help communities who live many miles away from a hospital or medical centre you can choose the gift of a mobile medical clinic that will help mothers and their children to receive the medical treatment they need, including immunisations and essential care and support. By choosing to give the Real Gift of a toilet you will be helping to improve sanitation and reduce the spread of deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

Philippa Bonella, SCIAF’s head of communications and education, said that while we in developed nations may take things like toilets and shelter for granted, for many people in poor countries these are a luxury they just cannot afford.

“SCIAF’s Real Gifts change this by encouraging people in Scotland to help change someone’s life,” she said. “The money raised for each Real Gift goes to a SCIAF-supported project in Africa, Asia or Latin America which provides that gift or similar to an individual or family in need.”

In addition to helping those in developing countries, Real Gift buyers also receive a special gift card and fridge magnet to pass on to their loved ones.

—You can buy one of SCIAF’s Real Gifts and view the full range online at www.sciaf.org.uk/realgifts or ask for a free catalogue from SCIAF on 0141 354 5555