Thistles spreads festive joy with community Christmas card drive
This festive season, Thistles shopping centre, Stirling partners with esteemed poet Donna Ashworth to combat loneliness this Christmas.
Article Source: Thistles Shopping Centre
Last Updated: 11 December 2024 11:11
This festive season, Thistles shopping centre, Stirling, is on a heartfelt mission to share the joy of the season with its Christmas card drive focused on spreading cheer and uplifting those who may feel lonely during the holidays.
In the spirit of creativity and community, Thistles invited all primary schools in Forth Valley to participate in a competition to design the cover of the official Christmas card. After receiving an array of stunning submissions, two young artists Antony Jose (aged 10) and Caris Dean (aged 11) from St Bernadette's RC Primary School in Stenhousemuir were crowned joint winners. Their vibrant designs will feature on the front of the Christmas cards, bringing their festive visions to life.
Adding an extra sprinkle of magic to the campaign, Thistles partnered with three-time bestselling poet Donna Ashworth. Known for her ability to touch hearts, Donna crafted an uplifting poem to feature inside the cards, perfectly encapsulating the warmth and wonder of the holiday season.
The campaign doesn’t stop there. Thistles has launched a pop-up Christmas card post box in Waterstones, where the local community is encouraged to pen heartfelt festive messages. These messages of hope and goodwill will be included in the cards and delivered to Strathcarron Hospice, ensuring they bring comfort and joy to those who may be feeling isolated during the holidays.
Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: ”This Christmas, we wanted to focus on the power of connection. Through our Christmas card drive, we’re bringing the community together to show kindness and compassion. With the beautiful artwork from Antony and Caris, and Donna Ashworth’s inspiring poem, we hope these cards will bring smiles and warmth to everyone who receives them.”
Donna Ashworth added: “It’s an honour to be part of such a meaningful campaign. Christmas is all about sharing love, and I hope my poem helps to spread joy and remind people that they are thought of and cared for.”
The Thistles Christmas card drive is part of the centre’s ongoing #ThistlesHelps campaign, which aims to support the local community. Members of the public can drop by the post box at Waterstones to contribute their festive messages.
For more information, please visit: www.thistlesstirling.com/
Image: Dona Ashworth with Antony Jose (aged 10) and Caris Dean (aged 11)
Image credit: Mark Ferguson
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project
To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MORE
Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters
Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches
Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MORE
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling
People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts
Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling
Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Find out how foster caring in Stirling could work for you at drop in event
A drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.
READ MORE
Delight as Wallace High Senior Girls retain Scottish Cup in style
Wallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links