Aid charity calls for change of priorities over ‘materialistic’ Christmas

More than four-fifths of people in Scotland believe Christmas has become too materialistic, according to new research.

A survey of 1,200 people for Scottish aid charity SCIAF found that 82% agreed that the festive period was too materialistic, rising to 91% for those aged 55 and over.

A majority of those surveyed (51%) believe the focus should be on helping less fortunate people.

The charity urged people to consider its ethical Christmas gifts aimed at helping people in developing countries.

Shoppers can buy safe water, essential medicines or shelter for a family, as well as c hickens , goats and pigs.

Money raised from the gifts is given to related projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Mother-of-two Chas Srah, from the village of Puradait in the Mondulkiri province of Cambodia, received pigs through the scheme .

The 27-year-old said: ” I breed my pigs and sell the piglets for 100,000 rials (£15) each.

“The additional income has raised us out of poverty and made a real difference in our lives.

“We eat much better than we did before. We have spare cash to buy books and uniforms for the children to go to school.”

Ann Ward, SCIAF’s education and fundraising officer, said: “Everyone loves to receive a nice present at Christmas but people do seem a little fed up with it becoming too materialistic and increasingly about consuming more and more.

“SCIAF wants to offer shoppers something different as the money they spend on our Real Gifts goes directly to helping people in need in a developing country.”