STV Children’s Appeal Raises £2.4 Million to Combat Child Poverty

The STV Children’s Appeal has successfully raised a total of £2,444,119 so far in 2025. Launched in 2011, this charity supports children and families affected by poverty across Scotland. The year’s fundraising efforts culminated in a live show hosted by Lorraine Kelly, aired from STV’s Pacific Quay headquarters in Glasgow.

During the live event, Kelly interacted with various supporters and beneficiaries of the Appeal’s initiatives. Among them was the pop duo SAINT PHNX, whose Happy Place Workshop project travels the country, providing children with a safe space to express their emotions through art and music.

Reflecting on the Appeal’s impact, Rufus Radcliffe, Chief Executive Officer of STV and a trustee of the Appeal, stated, “We were reminded tonight, live on STV, that the work of projects supported by the STV Children’s Appeal has a truly transformative impact on thousands of children and families right across Scotland.” He added, “Reaching such an incredible final total for 2025 is a rewarding end to another fantastic year of fundraising. The unwavering generosity of the people of Scotland – our viewers, community fundraisers, corporate partners and STV colleagues – never fails to inspire us, and we’re extremely grateful for all your support.”

The Scottish Government has been a key supporter of the STV Children’s Appeal since its inception. It provides up to £1 million in matched funding each year. First Minister John Swinney emphasized the importance of addressing child poverty, saying, “Ending child poverty is my top priority as First Minister. Every child in Scotland deserves a decent start in life, no matter where they are from or the circumstances they’re born into.” Swinney expressed pride in the government’s partnership with the Appeal to improve the lives of children and families, reinforcing the commitment to match public donations.

All funds raised by the Appeal are allocated directly to support initiatives in Scotland. Importantly, administration costs are covered by STV and a portion of funding from The Wood Foundation. The foundation has been a partner of the Appeal since 2013 and donated £150,000 this year, bringing its total contribution to nearly £2 million. Garreth Wood, MBE and Chairman of The Wood Foundation, stated, “The Wood Foundation supports young people across Scotland through empowering communities. We aim to ensure everyone reaches a positive destination and their full potential. I am inspired by the work these organizations undertake to develop young people and tackle the causes of child poverty.”

Individuals who wish to contribute to the STV Children’s Appeal for 2025 can do so by visiting the official website at stv.tv/appeal. The live show can also be streamed on STV Player.

The ongoing efforts of the STV Children’s Appeal demonstrate a collective commitment to alleviating child poverty and supporting vulnerable families across Scotland, showcasing the power of community generosity and engagement.