[UK] Charity in global poverty campaign

from The Scotsman

Scots are being urged to vote for the person they think could do the most to stop global poverty.

The campaign by Oxfam, entitled 'I'm In', aims to get people across the UK to pledge their support to the charity over 100 days, either by donating, volunteering or campaigning for change.

As part of the initiative, Oxfam is also asking people to identify who they believe could make the biggest difference to ending global poverty.

A recent survey carried out for the charity by market research agency YouGov shows Scots are more inclined to offer support than people from other parts of the UK.

Judith Robertson, head of Oxfam in Scotland, said: "Everyone has a view about who they think could change the world. The I'm In poll gives Scots a chance to select who they think could do the most to end poverty and suffering.

"It could be a global figure like Bill Gates or Nelson Mandela or Scots who have been at the forefront in the fight against poverty like Annie Lennox or Midge Ure."

Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu nominated George Bush.

Archbishop Tutu said: "It strikes me that one person who can overcome global poverty is George Bush. Stop the escalation of armaments and weapons and put the money into developing people.

"It is the arms manufacturers who control the national budgets of almost every country. Re-deploy those billions and the world will be transformed."

Individuals with the most votes will be challenged by Oxfam to help rid the world of poverty and injustice.