Pop-up shop raises mental health funds
Money will support pupils at Mclaren High School
A pop-up thrift shop in Callander has raised funds for a high school mental health and wellbeing project.
Students from Mclaren High School in Callander helped to run the thrift shop in January, organised by Callander local Charlotte Middleton.
Charlotte organised a similar pop up in December to raise money for The Canmore Trust, which was set up in memory of Cameron Gibson, former head boy of Mclaren High School, who sadly ended his life three years ago.
The organisers encouraged locals to clear out after Christmas and received a wide range of donations.
Within an hour of opening, the shop had raised an impressive £100 and went on to exceed targets, raising almost £2000.
The thrift shop has raised enough money to help current pupils at Mclaren High School to have important conversations around mental health and run a project on mental health and wellbeing, as well as to distribute funds to other organisations.
Charlotte said: “It’s been great to have the pupils on board and see them interact with the community in this way.
“We have several charity shops in Callander but not one that takes from the community in order to give back.
“This is not a permanent venture but perhaps an incentive to show the community what can be done when we come together. They have been amazing with their support, whether it be donating items or coming along to buy.
“The message I aim to spread is one of HOPE (Helping Other People Everyday) and the community are truly doing that with this event.”
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed visited the shop recently.
She said: “The amount raised by this shop in just a few days is extremely impressive and it’s clear that the community have rallied around with lots of donations and a great deal of support. I enjoyed speaking with sixth year students about their involvement and their plans for the project when I visited.
“The shop has clearly been a great success and I look forward to seeing how the students at Mclaren High School spend the funds. Having open conversations about mental health is so important for everyone, and initiatives such as this will help reduce stigma.”