Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling recently introduced a community wishing well for visitors to give them the chance of making a wish, which Thistles could then turn into reality as part of its #ThistlesHelps initiative, with various wishes being granted throughout the year.
The Thistles wishing well aims to raise vital funds for Make a Wish UK to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and everyone who makes their own wish is encouraged to pledge a donation to the charity. It comes as a continuation of Thistles’ work to help the Forth Valley community and looks to build on previous activities such as when Thistles gave local resident Kerry Anne an unforgettable present for her 50th birthday.
In 2021, Thistles was approached by Kerry’s husband Iain to set up a surprise present birthday gift like no other by arranging an exclusive out-of-hours experience so that Kerry could rollerblade around the mall.
Looking to create more lasting memories with the community, visitors can find the new wishing well located outside Lush and submit their wishes with their contact details for the chance to have their dreams come true.
The #ThistlesHelps initiative is part of the shopping centre’s continued community engagement efforts where it looks to give back to the local community, charities and primary schools through fundraising and additional partnerships. Recent #ThistlesHelps campaigns include its annual Christmas grotto where Thistles partnered with Strathcarron Hospice, donating all proceeds from ticket sales (£7,138.98) to the local charity.
Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “We are committed to supporting our local community through #ThistlesHelps and are constantly thinking of new, innovative ways in which we can give back to those that have helped us so much. The new wishing well is an exciting addition to the centre and we can’t wait to see what wishes flow in and how we can help achieve them. Being situated in the heart of the city we pride ourselves in doing the best we can to support and champion the generous and compassionate nature Stirling is known for.”
