The Bridge of Allan Co-op Funeralcare team in Stirling has teamed up with a local food bank charity, to provide essential start-up food packs for people who have gone through periods of homelessness.

The charity, Start-up Stirling, help to support families and individuals throughout periods of homelessness and financial hardship in the central Scotland area.

They were in dire need of food packages for families and individuals who were just entering accommodation for the first time after being on the streets.

The local Co-op Funeralcare team were only too happy to help, after having a close connection with the charity since their Easter egg donations last year.

They were able to call upon the support of colleagues in Co-op Electrical who supported by providing a range of items for the food packs, including Bosch kettles, tea and coffee.

Ruth Teal, funeral arranger for Co-op Funeralcare Bridge of Allan and organizer of the start-up packs, commented: “We have a long-standing relationship with Start-up Stirling, and we’re well aware of the vital service they provide to people of the community. When I realised what a pressing need they had for these food parcels, I got in touch with the Bride of Allan Co-op food store to see what we could do to help.

“Overall we were able to provide everything from Bosch kettles, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, to sanitary items, cleaning products and meals that you can make only using a kettle. I think our donation shows the Co-op commitment to helping those in need, and hopefully our donation will support people through the first few days of their tenancy.”

Joanie Littlejohn, development worker for Start-up Stirling, added: “We’d like to thank Ruth and the rest of the Co-op team for their generous donations. These much-needed starter packs will help many families through a very difficult time, and help them to transition between homelessness to having a house or flat to call their own.”