THISTLES OPENS WINTER WARMERS SWAP SHOP ADMID COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Posted on by Chris Walker

Thistles shopping centre, Stirling has partnered with Transition Stirling to offer warm clothing to those in need

Thistles shopping centre, Stirling has announced the opening of its Winter Warmers Community Hub, in partnership with Transition Stirling to offer a helping hand to the Stirling and Forth Valley community. The Hub will offer pre-loved but excellent condition outerwear and knitwear to those who cannot afford to purchase new and will operate on a ‘pay what you can’ basis.

Opening its doors from Tuesday 7th February, the Winter Warmers Hub will be running until April and is open from 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

In a bid to support the community during the current cost of living crisis, the initiative forms part of the centre’s ongoing #ThistlesHelps campaign. Local climate change charity, Transition Stirling will manage the hub via their network of volunteer staff and shoppers are invited to take what they need to keep warm in return for a donation the charity if they are able to do so. Those unable to make a donation at this time are simply able to swap their existing coat for a warmer one without fear of judgement.

Talking about the Winter Warmers Hub Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “These are exceptional times and the rising cost of household bills and weekly food shops is putting many families under financial pressure. We hope the Winter Warmers Hub will offer some relief to local families who are worried about keeping their loved ones in warm clothes. The Hub has a range of winter essentials for adults and children and we welcome everyone who feels they would benefit from it to come along and take what they need. We would also welcome donations of any pre-loved items to help keep the Hub fully stocked.”

Donna Wood, Opportunity Developer at Transition Stirling, commented: “We are delighted to work with Thistles shopping centre on the Winter Warmers project.  Most of us hate to see good items go to waste and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to give good-quality clothing a second-life. We believe that this project will help to prevent waste and protect our environment, but also support our local community to ensure that everyone has access to the items that they need.”

For more information on the Winter Warmers Hub and #ThistlesHelps, visit www.thistlesstirling.com