Media release: Lorraine Kelly launches STV Children’s Appeal Emergency Coronavirus Campaign

SCOTLAND’S vulnerable children and young people need extra support now more than ever.

Helping those in the most desperate of need is the focus of a new STV Children’s Appeal Emergency Coronavirus Campaign, fronted by Lorraine Kelly (pictured) and launching today in response to the impact COVID-19 is having on communities across the country.

The appeal has joined forces with the National Emergencies Trust (NET), an organisation that collaborates with charities and other bodies to raise and distribute money and support victims at times of domestic disasters. All money raised via this partnership will help a child or young person in Scotland.

The STV Children’s Appeal works with hundreds of charities right across Scotland.

In response to COVID-19, these charities are facing increased pressure to care for those affected and they are in desperate need of additional funding. The STV Children’s Appeal campaign is asking people who are able to donate to please give what they can.

Some people are struggling to feed their families and keep them warm, and many young
people are struggling with isolation. To donate, please text FIVE or TEN to donate £5 or £10 to 70607. Here’s how donations could help:

· £5 will provide internet access to a young person feeling cut off from others;

· £10 will provide a day of gas and electricity to heat a family’s home; and

· £10 will provide essential food or urgent household items like nappies.

STV Children’s Appeal trustee, Lorraine Kelly, added: “The generosity of the people of Scotland never fails to amaze me. We know that everyone has been affected by this crisis, but some are hit far worse than others. If you can help, no donation is too small, and the team will make sure it goes directly to the families who will benefit most from your kindness in these tough times.”

Simon Pitts, chief executive of STV and trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “We know from the conversations we’re having with our charity partners that COVID-19 is having a profound impact on local Scottish communities, with lots of families struggling with the most basic of needs.

“Working in close partnership with the NET, who are expert in responding to disasters like this, will ensure that all funds raised from our amazing STV viewers are distributed as quickly and efficiently as possible to those in need.”

Lord Dannatt, chair of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “This is a superb initiative by STV Children’s Appeal and I know the people of Scotland will respond in the spirit of generosity and the desire to help each other. We have seen a wonderful spirit of generosity at this difficult time – not just generosity in terms of money, but also people giving up their time to help one another. This appeal will allow more people to do that and get us through these challenging times.”

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Contact: Kirstin Stevenson

Email: Kirstin.stevenson@stv.tv