IT is impossible to forget the first images the world saw of the Romanian orphanages in the 1990s. Images of desperate, neglected children in dirty, crowded rooms, but images too that inspired one of the greatest charitable and humanitarian campaigns of the 20th century.

Mercy Corps Europe, or Scottish European Aid as it was then, was one of the positive outcomes of that remarkable campaign. In its early days, the charity helped get donations out to Romania; later it did the same for people caught up in the war in the former Yugoslavia.

Twenty-seven years later, Mercy Corps Europe is a major international organisation which helps local people recover in the aftermath of disasters or major crises. Around the world, the charity helps communities rebuild, but also to develop strategies to help them become more resilient to future shocks.

To continue their work, the charity needs consistent financial help, which is where The Herald Christmas Appeal comes in. Donating to the appeal will help ensure Mercy Corps Europe can continue their work. That means helping refugees in Syria, or helping to tackle the threat of famine in Africa. It means helping people in trouble or need in 42 countries around the world.

If you would like to help, please see Page 8 of today’s newspaper, visit www.mercycorps.org.uk/herald or click here.

Thankyou.