Scottish Catholic Observer

Money given to SCIAF’s Wee Box Annual Lent Appeal will once again be doubled thanks to a UK Government aid match scheme that will give £1 for every £1 donated by supporters.

Last year’s Wee Box campaign, supported by the SCO and the Department for International Development, was a record-breaker in the charity’s 50th anniversary year thanks to the generosity of donors and the UK Aid Match scheme. This year the Wee Box appeal tells the story of cattle herders in Ethiopia.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve secured UK Government aid match funding again this year,” SCIAF’s Director Alistair Dutton said. “The donations we get will be doubled—so every £1 you give to the Wee Box appeal will equal £2. “This will help us to give so many more people the help they need, such as seeds, farm tools, cattle, training and small loans, so they can work their way out of poverty and have a better future. I would urge everyone to make the most of this amazing offer and make sure the money you give goes twice as far!”

The annual appeal raises vital funds for SCIAF’s life-changing work in Africa, Asia and Latin America and helps some of the poorest people in the world living with hunger, poverty, disease and disasters.

Thousands of supporters in schools and parishes across Scotland raise money for the appeal every year by giving up a favourite treat, like coffee or chocolate, for the 40 days of Lent and putting the money saved in their Wee Box. The 2016 appeal will be launched on Ash Wednesday, February 10.

This year with UK Aid match we can offer a hand up to many more people. All donations given to SCIAF between February 5 and May 4 will be matched pound for pound so more people than ever will be helped. This means SCIAF will be able to reach more people who need help the most.

—The SCO is backing the SCIAF Wee Box appeal again this year. Coming soon, Ian Dunn’s Lenten reports on visiting Ethiopia with the charity. To read his climate change report from the country, click here.

—http://www.sciaf.org.uk/