Stirling’s foodbank charity Start Up Stirling is hoping its festive appeal can bring some festive cheer to those who are struggling this Christmas.
It is predicted that £420,000 will be required to fund all of Start Up Stirling’s services in 2025.
It is asking people to consider supporting them with a financial gift this Christmas – and if you are eligible for Gift Aid, they can claim an additional 25 per cent from the Government, at no extra cost to you.
But the charity also has a host of ways people can contribute to their festive drive – including its Reverse Advent Calendar.
Each of the items on the 24 days on the calendar helps them to collect the essential food for their Crisis Food Support parcels throughout the cold Winter months.
Start Up Santa’s Shopping List includes tinned pasta, coffee, cereal bars, tinned meat, tinned soup or cup-a-soup.
Donations of any dried or canned items can be left at any of their supermarket donation stations across the area, or they will be happy to see you at their warehouse should you have any bulk donations. Please call in advance of your visit on 01786 561027.
Any businesses or organisations can also host a Start Up Donation Station.
And the lucky recipient of one of the prizes in the charity’s online Big 2024 Christmas Draw, to celebrate Start Up Stirling’s 30th anniversary, could receive anything from jewellery and afternoon teas to M&S vouchers, with lots of prizes to be won. Tickets are £2 each, three for £5, or eight for £10. All of the prizes will be drawn on December 11 – visit https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-big-2024-christmas-draw.
Gift vouchers for stores such as Sainsbury’s, Argos, Primark, Tesco and Amazon can also be donated or cash donations can be made via Start Up’s website.
Giving Trees are also being hosted in Stirling’s Thistles shopping centre until December 24. Shoppers are encouraged to visit one of four Giving Trees in the centre, where they can find tags detailing a gift recommendation, providing an opportunity for thoughtful shoppers to purchase an essential home item to those in need ahead of Christmas and into the New Year.
Gift donations can be dropped into the donation box located beside the trees.
There is also a Giving Tree, hosted by Kip McGrath and the Innovation Park, at Scion House, Innovation Park, Stirling University, until December 6. Gifts can then be returned to the reception desk in Scion House, Monday to Friday, 9am until 4pm.
Tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, November 29, from 10am – 4pm, the elves at Start Up Stirling will be at the annual Food Drive at Tesco Superstore, Wallace Street, Stirling FK8 1NP.
And on Saturday, November 30, 10.30am-2pm, Rotary in Callander will be holding their Christmas Coffee, Lunch and Crafts Event in Callander Kirk Hall, where Start Up Stirling is hosting a stall.
Entry is £3, which includes tea or coffee and shortbread or mince pie.
On Thursday December 12, Start Up Stirling will be “Sleighing it at Scion House” at the Innovation Park, based at Stirling University, where Santa’s Little Helpers will welcome donations from 11am until 2pm, from anyone in the area who would like to support them.
Friday December 13, from 7pm until late, will see Bridge of Allan Bowling Club hosting a Scottish Folk Music Night in aid of Start Up, with music provided by the Jacobites Ceilidh Band plus a buffet, raffle, games and drinks. Tickets are £10 – email [email protected].
For further information about Start Up Stirling contact its office, Tuesday-Thursday, 9am until 3pm, and Friday 9am until 1pm, on 01786 561027, or email: [email protected].