For many of us it is hard to imagine living in poverty, but in parts of Scotland every second child is dealing with its impacts on a daily basis.

Poverty can mean many things but for children in Scotland it can mean they are going hungry, they don't have a bed of their own to sleep in and don't have a warm coat to wear in the winter. The STV Appeal can make a difference in the lives of these children but we need your help. 

Since the STV Appeal launched in 2010 we have raised a substantial £3.3 million for children and young people in Scotland who are affected by poverty. The money raised so far has been distributed amongst 59 large and small projects helping over 5,600 children across all 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland.

STV Appeal: where the money goes:

• £20 provides a food parcel for two families - the smaller projects we support have been able to distribute food parcels to destitute families across Scotland

• £200 provides children's beds, a washing machine or a cooker for a grandparent who finds themselves looking after their grandchildren because their parents cannot - we help Kinship Care groups who offer support to grandparents who find themselves caring for their grandchildren

• £500 provides help with housing, employment, and life skills support to young people who are either homeless, in threat of homelessness, or coming out of care - projects we fund offer counselling and support to children who would otherwise drop out of the system.

Becoming the official charity partner of freshnlo Pedal for Scotland is a fantastic opportunity for the Appeal to make a difference in the lives of even more Scottish children. We hope you will take on the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland challenge, join us at this fun event on 8^th September, and fundraise for the worthwhile cause of child poverty in the process.

Lorriane Kelly with Amy Macdonald at STV Appeal 2012 live show

In the past two years, the STV Appeal has captured the hearts and minds of the Scottish public and with your help we can make an even bigger impact. We believe we can make a real difference in the lives of those children most at risk in Scotland. We are embracing this challenge further with the STV Appeal in 2013 - will you get on your bike and join us?

To register to raise money for the STV Appeal click here. When you register, don't forget to tick the box saying that you would like to fundraise for the STV Appeal.

 If you have any questions about fundraising for the STV Appeal then please email stvappeal@stv.tv 

Comedian and broadcaster Fred MacAulay completed his challenge of trekking the West Highland Way in aid of the STV Appeal 2012 and raised £15,000 along the way.