STV Children’s Appeal raises almost £2.5m so far throughout 2025

The STV Children’s appeal has raised a total of £2,444,119 so far throughout 2025.

Since its launch in 2011, the charity, which supports children and families affected by poverty across Scotland, has raised over £39m.

This year’s fundraising drive culminated in a live show hosted by Lorraine Kelly and broadcast earlier tonight from STV’s Pacific Quay HQ in Glasgow.

The TV presenter met a variety of people who have either supported the Appeal or benefited from its work over the past year, including Glasgow pop duo, SAINT PHNX, whose Happy Place Workshop project travels the country providing a safe space for children to express their emotions through art and music.

Reflecting on this year’s STV Children’s Appeal, Rufus Radcliffe, STV CEO and Appeal trustee, said: “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.

“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 supported the STV Children’s Appeal since its inception in 2011, providing up to £1m of match funding annually.

First Minister John Swinney said: “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.

“I am very proud that that the Scottish Government is able to support STV Children’s Appeal in improving the lives of children and families across Scotland. Our commitment to match public fund donations up to the value of £1m will help ensure more families in really difficult circumstances receive support.”

All the money raised by the Appeal is used to support those in Scotland.

Administration costs are covered by STV and by a portion of The Wood Foundation’s donation.

The Wood Foundation has partnered with the Appeal since 2013, donating £150,000 this year, which brings the total donated throughout the partnership to almost £2m.

Garreth Wood, MBE, Chairman of The Wood Foundation, said: “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 organisations undertake to develop young people and tackle the causes of child poverty.”

You can donate to the STV Children’s Appeal 2025 by visiting stv.tv/appeal. Watch the show on STV Player.