TV appeal aims raise £1.5m for children

The Scottish Government has agreed to match up to £1.5 million raised by a charity appeal to help children in poverty.

The STV Appeal 2011 has been launched by the TV channel and the Hunter Foundation to help raise funds for vulnerable young people in Scotland.

Businessman Sir Tom Hunter launched the appeal and pledged £100,000 through the Hunter Foundation.

He said: “Alex Salmond and his government recognise the need to tackle and prioritise this fundamental poverty issue for Scotland’s future wellbeing and this funding commitment underscores that recognition.”

Angela Constance MSP, minister for children and young people, said: “It is unacceptable that one fifth of children in Scotland are growing up in relative poverty, and that these children’s future outcomes are so heavily influenced by their parents’ economic circumstances.

“There are already strong policies in place in Scotland to tackle poverty and inequality, but more can and will be done.

“The Scottish Government’s Child Poverty Strategy sets out how we will focus on and give greater momentum to our efforts to tackle this issue and our commitment to match fund up to £1.5 million of the money raised by the STV Appeal is further demonstration of our commitment to addressing the underlying causes of poverty, not just the symptoms.”

The event will work closely with the charities Aberlour, Action for Children, Barnardo’s Scotland, Children 1st, Save the Children Scotland and One Parent Families Scotland, to help local projects supporting children at risk of poverty.

As well as raising funds, the STV Appeal 2011 will focus on raising awareness, challenging stereotypes and bringing attention to the extent of child poverty in Scotland.