A call to action from Fresh Start
Fresh Start, an Edinburgh-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families who are moving on from, or at risk of homelessness, are calling on the community to support those in need this Christmas, with several ways to get involved.
With 9,600+ households experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh this year, the power and generosity of community is more impactful than ever before.
This festive season, the best way to support Fresh Start’s services is to donate to its annual Cookers for Christmas Appeal, which raises funds for their White Goods service, providing essential appliances like cookers, washing machines and fridge/freezers for those in need.
Hoping to beat last year’s £31,000 total, Fresh Start asks individuals, businesses, and organisations across Edinburgh and beyond to support the Appeal and ensure everyone has a Happy Christmas this year.
Alongside their White Goods service, Fresh Start provides other essential services, including Starter Packs with household items, local food support through their Community Pantry, and cooking classes to promote healthy living on a budget. They help people rebuild their lives with dignity and a sense of community, offering practical assistance, support, and pathways to long-term stability.
Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference for people like Sarah*, who was able to “start living like a real human being again” after receiving a cooker for her flat.
For families like the Hashimi’s*, receiving White Goods allowed them to “store and cook healthy homemade meals for our family again. It really has been such a big relief, helping us move on from the last few years, which have been a nightmare.”
Donations can be made via Fresh Start’s JustGiving page, or by cash, cheque or bank transfer, and will ensure families can cook hot meals over Christmas and throughout 2027. Get in touch with Fresh Start at admin@freshstartweb.org.uk or on 0131 476 7741 for more information on how to donate to the appeal.
If you’d like to support Fresh Start’s services more broadly this Christmas, you can also:
- Take part in their #GatherForGood campaign by turning your office Christmas Party, ‘Friendmas’, Christmas Carols service, movie night or festive celebrations into a fundraiser for Fresh Start.
- Donate to their festive food collection, helping to support hundreds of families and individuals with festive food hampers this Christmas. Donations close on Friday, 4th December, with Fresh Start accepting non-perishable seasonal items – see a full list and more details about how to donate on their website.
- Spread the word! Help raise awareness with others in your community by following Fresh Start on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sharing their posts with your followers!
Everyone deserves a happy Christmas, and you can help make it happen, in a way that works for you – support Fresh Start this festive season and help those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh to make a home for themselves.
Cookers For Christmas 2026 – JustGiving Page:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cookers-for-christmas-2026
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