5 amazing Scottish charity projects to get involved in

Our country is full of generous and selfless individuals. To shine a light on just a few, we take a look at five special projects looking for your support

Mary’s Meals

Mary’s Meal provides food for some of the world’s poorest children every day they attend school. Working in countries across the world including Malawi, Thailand and Burma, Mary’s Meals was originally started in Argyll by reluctant hero Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow. An amazing 93p from every £1 donated goes to feeding hungry children. You can support Mary’s Meals here.

Smalls for All

After returning from a trip to Ethiopia, Smalls for All founder Maria McNamara from Livingston, decided to create something sustainable for the communities she had come into contact with. She decided to focus on the fact that there is a real lack of underwear in the country, causing health and hygiene problems for many poor African communities. Smalls for All was set up to help those in need by donating underwear to children in Africa and now also supports a number of self-sufficiency and education projects.

There a few ways to help the cause, find out more here.

Road to Change

Matthew McVarish, from Lanarkshire and advisor to the board of the Moira Anderson Foundation, made the incredible 10,000 mile journey across Europe on behalf of the Moira Anderson foundation. Throughout his journey Matthew spoke out about sexual abuse to millions of people in countries where the legal age of consent can be as low at 13 years old.

The Moira Anderson Foundation, which is based in Airdrie, was established following the disappearance of 11 year old Moria in 1957. The fund was launched in 2000 and provides a place of safety and support for children and adults who have been affected by childhood sexual abuse.

To support Matthew’s journey and the work of the Moira Anderson foundation visit here.

500 Miles

After catching meningococcal septicaemia, Olivia Giles had to have her hands and feet amputated to save her life. On her journey to recovery, Olivia decided not to go back to her job as a lawyer and instead founded the charity 500 Miles, which supplies prosthetic limbs to developing countries.

The charity’s projects include Big Dinner, which consists of hundreds of separate dinners being eaten all over the world. The idea being that while you sit down to dinner, someone in Africa will stand up and walk with the help raised by 500 Miles. To get involved, visit the website.

Home-Start Glasgow South

Home-Start Glasgow South is a voluntary organisation where generous individuals offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress in their own homes. Their aim is to help prevent family crisis and breakdown, and emphasising the pleasures of family life. You can get involved by volunteering in various different ways.