TA Sunshine Appeal History

Following the Tartan Army`s travels to Bosnia a number of people were conscious of how fortunate they were and how much they spent on trips to support Scotland. At this time Mirza (who had embraced Scotland and the Tartan Army) made some of his new friends aware of a boy Kemal Karic, whose mother was killed by artillery in Sarajevo, as she ran carrying 3 month old Kemal. Kemal`s leg was blown off just above the knee. Ideas for raising money to help Kemal began to fall into place and an Appeal for the Tartan Army to contribute became known as the Sunshine Appeal.
An article originally printed in the 'Balkan Times' which gives some more details can be found Here
Whilst people continued to fund raise for Kemal, known as Kemo and more became aware of the Appeal through the Message Board, it became clear that the fundraising was set to continue. The Tartan Army was showing great generosity and imagination and the Sunshine Appeal made its aim "to bring a little sunshine to the lives of children whose countries were visited by the Tartan Army on tour"

Individuals and groups found ways to raise money amongst the Tartan Army and their friends. A virtually unplanned emphasis seemed to be given to contributors also benefiting whilst they were raising funds. For example, taking part in a sponsored activities where people got together and made new friendships, or purchasing TA related badges, t-shirts, songbooks designed for the Appeal. As the Appeal Fund continued to grow, Lithuania was identified as the next potential country where the Tartan Army could try and give something significant to children who lived there.


In March 2004 it was decided to change the name from Tartan Army Message Board Sunshine Appeal to the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal to reflect the wider involvement of the Tartan Army and reassure contributors the Appeal was not exclusive to the Message Board users.
Information about the Sunshine Appeal will continue to be posted on the Tartan Army Message Board along with this website.