St Andrew's Day campaign to cross out child poverty

A Church of Scotland minister is spearheading a St Andrew’s Day campaign to give Scottish children affected by poverty the chance of a better future.

The “Cross Out” child poverty initiative is aiming to bring the issue back to the top of the political agenda, and is the brainchild of charity Glasgow the Caring City, led by Cathcart minister Rev Neil Galbraith.

Mr Galbraith, founder of Glasgow the Caring City, said: “Child poverty is much more than lack of food or money, it is the poverty of lack of education, health, welfare, self-esteem, culture, growth and even the opportunity to play.

“Here in Scotland, our poverty can be seen in the number of young people caught up in the drug culture, the numbers living in poor housing with communities lacking amenities that wealthier communities take for granted, and the poor self-esteem as inflicted by the improper use of the internet and the text message, where bullies and the corrupt have a field day, and inflict great misery.

“In our tenth anniversary year we want to make a real lasting difference, even in a small way, and tackle one of the great issues of society which is right before our eyes, but is far too often ignored.”

Mr Galbraith is asking people across Scotland to hold fundraising events and also to sign the “Cathcart Statement”, which pledges that now is the time to act on child poverty.

Events include a “great Scottish pub quiz”, and he stressed that every penny raised would be spent on local projects.

The scheme already has the backing of First Minister Alex Salmond, and it is anticipated that several more high profile figures will sign up.

Rev Ian Galloway, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, said: “Glasgow the Caring City has ten years of excellent work under its belt and this initiative shows that the passion and energy are still there for more”.