Get Cosy
September 15th - October 3rd 2025
Hello!
Welcome to Autumn, and the launch of this year's campaign. The theme this year is all about getting cosy, and getting prepared for the colder months to come, wrapping our communities in kindness. There are lots of things that are happening, and we would love it if you would like to participate in our fundraising and events that are planned for this Autumn.
This year's Autumn campaign focuses on three elements - Food, Warmth and Connection
Food
The demand for Crisis Food continues to outstrip the amount of food that is being donated at our Donation Stations, and we are on track to have another busy Winter. In the past year, the number of people who needed to use our services increased by 18%, but the amount of food that was donated in our donation stations dropped by 18%.
There will be 2 food donation days at Tesco Superstore in Stirling on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th September, 10am- 4pm, to help to raise awareness of the need for continued food donations.
We especially need the following items to be donated. We have printed shopping lists for anyone who would like them. If you would like to borrow one of our donation stations for the duration of the Autumn campaign, please get in touch.
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Warmth
As the weather gets colder, that is when it can become difficult to make ends meet, having to balance whether to heat, eat or pay the bills. The following items will be used to supplement our Home Starter packs, which are supplied to people who have received keys to a new tenancy after a period of homelessness. This will help people to get cosy, supporting them to spend less by providing essential items for their new home.
Single and double duvets
Pillows
Fleece blankets
Kettle
Toaster
Because some of the items are bulky, we have created an Amazon Wishlist entitled “Get Cosy” where there is a selection of the items above. £10 and £20 Amazon gift cards can also be donated. Amazon e-cards with a value of £5 upwards can also be donated, but the system doesn’t allow them to be added to the wishlist.
We are also very happy to accept donations of the above items at our warehouse at 16B Whitehouse Road, Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling, FK7 7SP. Please note that all the items on the list have to be new, due to hygiene standards or electrical item testing rules.
Connection
Our weekly Community Hubs provide warmth, comfort and connection for everyone that comes along, whether they require crisis food support or not. We want to make sure that we can help as many people in our rural communities as possible. Get cosy within a warm, friendly environment, and have something to eat, whether lunch, or tea and coffee, all of which is free of charge. The change in the seasons can be tough for many, with more time at home, where people are more likely to feel isolated and lonely.
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Financial donations and regular giving
These are a vital source of unrestricted funding for us, allowing us the flexibility to allocate our funds to where we need it most. From keeping the lights on in the warehouse, to room hire at the Community Hubs, or purchasing essential items for the crisis food parcels. Monthly giving via standing order also allows us to project how much funding we have each month, providing stability and the opportunity to plan our services. Please donate via our website. Every donation we receive makes a difference. If you are a UK Tax Payer, please add Gift Aid too.
Other ways to get involved
Here are two upcoming events for the Autumn months. It would be great to see you at either of them. Maybe you would like to organise a fundraising event to support Start Up Stirling too?
17th October - Quiz Night at Over The Bridge in Bridge of Allan. 7.30pm start. Tickets are £5 each, with a maximum of 6 people per table. Book your tickets here:
1st November - Little Monsters, Big Hearts Halloween Party. 1pm-4pm at Fallin Miners Welfare. This event was so popular, it was a sell out last year. £10 per child and £3 per adult.
Tickets are available directly from the organiser on 07450 550544. Funds raised will be split between Start Up Stirling and Save The Children.
1st November - Race Night - Riverside Bowling Club, Riverside, Stirling, FK8 1LX. 7pm start.
For more information about the event, please contact Plumbase Stirling on 01786 471471, or email [email protected]
Have a great Autumn, and thanks for your continued support and help.
For more information, please contact
Julie Christie and Amanda Monaghan
Start Up Stirling Fundraising Team
T: 01786 561027