Scottish charity bosses warn climate crisis putting more people into third world hunger
The team at SCIAF is pleading with people to donate to the WEE BOX appeal during lent.
Last updated 24th Mar 2023
Scottish charity bosses are warning the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency are meaning more people in third world countries are going to bed without a meal at night.
The team at the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) works to make food and water accessible to countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
However, they have struggled to fundraise during lent in recent years because of the pandemic.
Fundraising manager Steve McManus told MFR: "Around 811 million people around the world face hunger and are living on less than £2 a day.
"Women and children are disproportionately affected.
"One young girl in Zambia told me that she is walking 17 miles every day just to get to school."
During lent there is a special ask for people to donate what they can to the charity's WEE BOX appeal supported by Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh from Deacon Blue.
Steve added: "Sadly the need for our work is growing massively and we are really grateful for everyone's generosity, but the pound is valued at less than it was previously so it doesn't go as far as before.
"Over the last three months in Zambia, almost a million more people are facing hunger.
Rose Waswa is a partner at SCIAF and lives in Zambia.
She said: "Children are going into the forest to find mice to take back and make into a meal.
"Many are also going to bed at night feeling worthless and alone.
"When we are supported by people in Scotland, we can train our communities so they are able to stand on their own."