A popular pop-up shop will return to Aberdeen for a second year this week in aid of one of Scotland’s leading social care charities.
The store will operate from a retail unit at 346 George Street in Aberdeen between Monday, July 25 and Saturday, July 30 and will offer clothes, shoes, books and DVDs as well as other items all to raise money for Cornerstone’s Independent Forum (IF).
Last year’s pop-up shop raised more than £2,000 and the IF group is close to meeting its fundraising target for its current project - securing a mini bus that will be available for everyone who is supported by the charity in Aberdeen.
To date, the IF group has managed to raise £22,000 of the £30,000 target and it is hoped the pop-up shop will go a long way to helping them reach the finish line.
The new bus will enable people to access everyday activities in Aberdeen and make the most of what the local community has to offer. This is something many of us take for granted but can be complicated and expensive for the people Cornerstone supports.
Cornerstone Service Manager and IF group member and facilitator, Malcolm Gray, said: “We are looking forward to running our popular pop-up shop for the second year in Aberdeen next week. This now annual event is a fantastic way for us to raise funds for and awareness of our hugely important IF group.
“People we support will be doing their bit by volunteering in the shop, so as well as a great fundraising opportunity, this is a really excellent way for them to develop valuable skills and experience. Everyone will also be wearing t-shirts with our IF logo and slogan – Yes We Can – which also helps those we support feel like they are part of the team.”
The Independent Forum is a platform for people who receive support from Cornerstone to voice their opinions on how the charity, as a care provider, affects their lives. Members represent all of the people who use Cornerstone services in the area and membership is open to anyone supported by the charity in Aberdeen.
The group meets monthly to discuss possible improvements and implement ideas. Their aim is to help ensure Cornerstone provides a high quality service, to increase participation and influence how services are designed in the future. The group regularly fundraises for Cornerstone and attends functions and social events to promote the mini bus appeal and the charity as a whole.
Cornerstone provides care and support services for adults, young people and children across Scotland who live with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and other support needs.
Since 1980, Cornerstone has grown to support more than 2,000 people each year, delivering services within 18 local authority areas across Scotland. More information on Cornerstone can be found by visiting www.cornerstone.org.uk.