Support pours in for doomed charity shop
Politicians hear case
Customers have been flooding in to a popular Stirling charity shop since news of its closure was announced last week.
Good Green Fun, who provide low-cost second-hand children’s items, is set to shut its doors on Saturday, February 17 after 10 years in the city.
The news came as a shock to many of those who visit the shop – with hundreds of people taking to social media to share their disappointment.
Staff and volunteers at the charity met with elected representatives on Friday at their STEP base to explore their future options.
MP Stephen Kerr, MSPs Bruce Crawford and Mark Ruskell and councillors Neil Benny and Alison Laurie all took the time to listen to what charity representatives had to say.
And, despite an outpouring of support both online and in the store, bosses say that their circumstances remain challenging.
They say that the decision has been made due to a rise in operational costs – and as a small charity they can no longer afford to go on.
A spokesperson said: “We had a useful meeting on Friday with Mark Ruskell, Bruce Crawford and Stephen Kerr, as well as councillors Laurie and Benny.
“We explored a number of options, however our circumstances remain challenging.
“A great number of customers have visited the shop since our announcement and we appreciate their continued support.
“We will keep our supporters updated if any sustainable alternatives to closure present themselves.”
Since they were established a decade ago the charity has provided families throughout the Stirling area with a low cost source of children’s goods while diverting more than 300 tonnes of waste from landfill.
They’ve also given away items and clothing to families in need by providing emergency packs, supported a teddy appeal for refugee children and donated toys to local causes and groups through their Good Green Friday campaign.
Bosses say they will no longer be accepting new donations and are encouraging people to take any toys or clothing to other charity shops in the area.
The spokesperson said last week: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, customers and donors who have supported us over the last decade. Together we’ve helped many families and diverted more than 300 tonnes of children’s good from landfill.”
They added: “We still have a huge range of stock available and we hope you will continue to support us in the coming weeks. In the meantime should any potentially viable alternative options to closure present themselves we will consider them seriously.”