Scots singer backs Oxfam appeal

Scottish singer Sandi Thom has helped Oxfam erect an 11,000-litre water tank in Glasgow to highlight the growing humanitarian crisis in East Africa.

The charity said "a toxic cocktail" of drought, conflict and rising food prices was causing widespread misery.

The United Nations has already warned that the crisis has left more than 14 million in urgent need of help.

The event in George Square was designed to show what aid the charity could buy with donations.

Ms Thom said: "The water tank we have built today gives people an idea of where their money goes and how Oxfam responds in an emergency.

"Drought and rising food prices are some of the main causes that are propelling millions of people in East Africa towards severe hunger and destitution.

"The situation in East Africa is dire, with colleagues witnessing heartbreaking situations where severely malnourished children are struggling to survive"
Judith Robertson
Oxfam Scotland

"The work that Oxfam is doing in East Africa is essential and sadly necessary.

"People should support Oxfam's work in trying to help people who desperately need it."

The charity said the 11,000-litre water tank would cost £1,270. Other items on display included a distribution tapstand at £194 and a bucket with tap at £2.35.

Judith Robertson, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "The situation in East Africa is dire, with colleagues witnessing heartbreaking situations where severely malnourished children are struggling to survive.

"Oxfam is there and responding to the situation, but we urgently need funds to help increase emergency response across the affected countries of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and northern Kenya."

Public donations to Oxfam's work across East Africa can be made online, at any Oxfam shop or by phone.

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