Children's charity, Aberlour, has launched an appeal because its Urgent Assistance Fund is dangerously low and will run out by Christmas.
This means that disadvantaged families across the country will struggle to pay for essentials such as food, energy, clothing and bedding.
The Scottish charity says that the ongoing cost of living has never been higher, and children are paying the price.
Across Scotland, children are going without the basics - things most of us take for granted - and the need for help has never been greater.
Aberlour states that:
- Almost half of the families who apply to Aberlour’s emergency fund don’t know where their next meal is coming from
- More than 50% of the families who apply to the fund need clothing for their children
- 20% of the families who apply to the fund don’t have a bed for their children.
The charity’s Urgent Assistance Fund helps struggling families with emergency cash grants to access the basics required to feed and clothe their children and provide heating and lighting for their homes.
Last winter Aberlour was flooded with applications for the emergency fund due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Due to the high demand, the charity launched its Poverty Relief campaign and as a result, Aberlour helped more than 1,000 children, providing much-needed relief to them and their families.
Since the pandemic began in April 2020, Aberlour has given out more than £2.9 million in Urgent Assistance to around 8,877 families who have been tipped into poverty, struggling to feed and clothe their children, keep them warm or keep the lights on.
Applications have been awarded in every local authority in Scotland. The average amount given to these families is £326, which has been used to cover life’s essentials and requirements.
Chief executive, SallyAnn Kelly OBE, says: “This winter, as we continue to face the biggest cost of living crisis in recent memory, more and more families are turning to the charity for help, but because of this soaring demand, the emergency fund is going to run out of money by Christmas, when it’s needed most.
“Too many children are going without and for many families it’s a constant worry of where the next meal is coming from, and if there’ll be enough money to heat their home.
“Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance is a lifeline to disadvantaged families all over Scotland and every penny of cash donated goes directly to those who need it most. If you are in a position to donate – however big or small the amount – we would be infinitely grateful for your support”.
