WIREDGOV

First Minister outlines additional £1million for STV Appeal in 2014.

The STV Appeal raised a record £2.5 million in 2013, with a £1 million donation from the Scottish Government.

For the last three years, thousands of disadvantaged children across Scotland have benefitted from money raised by the STV Appeal. The First Minister has announced that in 2014, the Scottish Government will continue to contribute up to £1million to the amount raised by the STV Appeal.

So far, the Scottish Government has donated £2,650,000 to the STV Appeal.

Mr Salmond said: “Our ambition is to make Scotland the best place in the world for children to grow up.

“It is absolutely disgraceful that 220,000 children in Scotland live in poverty. That is why we must do all that we can help those in need.

“This is the fourth year that the Scottish Government has supported the STV Appeal. I am incredibly proud to have been personally involved with the Appeal for those years and STV, along with their partners, have raised millions to help children and young people affected by poverty. Last year, I was delighted to once again man the phones on appeal night and talk to some of the wonderful STV viewers who pledged donations to this amazing cause.

“I was also very lucky to meet the wonderful children, teenagers and adults who sang, danced, walked, cycled and abseiled – among many other activities! – to make life that bit better for young disadvantaged people across Scotland.

“We know that the STV Appeal makes a real difference to the lives of young people. Every single penny raised stays in Scotland and goes directly to those young people who most need it and is making a real difference to many lives.

“Over £1.5million was raised in 2013 and the Scottish Government added another £1 million, making a record of £2.5million. The announcement is we’re in for £1million again.

“Let’s make sure we make it another record in 2014.”

In its first three years the STV Appeal has raised more than £5.8 million, investing in 163 projects across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, providing much needed support to more than 18,000 children. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Scottish Government committed to match fund the total amount raised.