The STV Children’s Appeal stands up for children and young people living in poverty across Scotland. They give practical help like food and warm clothes, create training and employment opportunities, and get behind social and emotional support for those who need it most.

The STV Children’s Appeal kicked off in 2011, a team effort between The Hunter Foundation and STV. Optical Express have been supporting the appeal since day one and this year have stepped into the role of lead sponsor, pledging to raise £100,000 for the charity.

In the four years since its launch it has raised a massive £8.2 million, turning this into 297 big and small grants to fund life-changing projects across Scotland’s 32 local authorities. So far, they have supported over 37,000 children – and counting.

Every single penny raised in Scotland stays in Scotland to support the children who need it most.