SHRUB's Crowdfunder Success

By Emily Meijaard

For six weeks throughout July and August, SHRUB Cooperative ran a crowdfunding campaign with the ambitious goal of raising £50,000 to secure funding for its Food Sharing Hub. The Hub plays a crucial role in SHRUB's mission to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and build a more resilient and equitable community in Edinburgh. The campaign aimed to cover operating costs and maintain the vital services provided by the Food Sharing Hub without compromise. 

Despite the undeniable social and environmental significance of the Food Sharing Hub, raising the necessary funds proves to be a challenge. The rising costs of maintaining the Hub, including rent, staff wages, and utility bills, require continuous support from donors and community partners. SHRUB's crowdfunding campaign was designed to bridge this funding gap and ensure the ongoing operation of the Hub, which provides affordable, rescued food to those in need and actively works to reduce food waste in the city.

It was truly inspiring to witness the SHRUB community come together in support of this mission. The campaign saw generous contributions from individuals, local businesses, and partner organisations. By the end of the funding period, SHRUB had successfully raised £14,151, including £6,923 of match funding from the Aviva Community Fund, which recognizes and supports community initiatives that drive positive change. Additionally, nearly £660 was raised through GiftAid contributions, highlighting the broad support and generosity of the SHRUB community.

While the total amount raised fell short of the £50,000 target, the funds collected represent a significant step towards sustaining the Food Sharing Hub. These contributions will help SHRUB continue its essential work in food redistribution and community building. The campaign also served as a powerful reminder of the community's dedication to SHRUB's vision of a zero-waste society. 

We are very aware that this Crowdfunder came at a time when a large portion of our community is facing financial hardship so we also very much want to acknowledge the generosity of any donations made, as well as the help we received from people liking and sharing our posts, spreading the word in other ways, and volunteering their time! 

SHRUB remains committed to exploring new funding avenues and engaging with supporters to keep the Food Sharing Hub thriving. The team is grateful for every donation received during the campaign. Moving forward, SHRUB is determined to leverage this momentum to secure the necessary funds and continue making a meaningful impact in the fight against food waste.

In the meantime, SHRUB invites everyone to stay involved, whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about the Food Sharing Hub. Together, we can continue to foster a community that prioritises sustainability, inclusivity, and the well-being of all its members.

SHRUB Zero Waste Fundraiser Fashion Show & Ceilidh

We had our big Zero Waste Fundraiser on the 30th of March! It was a day filled with fashion, music, and most importantly, a collective commitment to supporting SHRUB and raising awareness about waste reduction and why it matters.

From upcycled denim dresses to intricately designed accessories made from repurposed materials, the fashion show was innovative and incredibly creative - it demonstrated the endless possibilities of sustainable fashion which can be both avant-garde and environmentally friendly. You can learn more about the designers at the end of this post.

Marking the International Day of Zero Waste, the event was more than just a fashion show. It was also a celebration of our community. Over 150 attendees came together to support SHRUB Coop, raising a total of £1768!

A highlight of the evening was the Mocktail Bar, expertly run by Alex Williams. Guests were treated to a fun selection of drinks with ingredients sourced from our Food Sharing Hub and Vegan Cafe projects.

We also had some tasty vegan food made by volunteers and many different stands showcasing our projects and hosting crafty workshops.

The event featured an exciting raffle, with prizes generously donated by numerous local organisations. Including The Cycling Gardeners, Meadowlark Yoga, The Edinburgh Bookshop, Lighthouse Bookshop, 9 Trees, The New Leaf Co-op, Dunedin Fencing Club, Dance Base, Uplands Roast, Some Funguys, Greek Artisan Pastries, Repair What You Wear, Doodles, Molly Porteous, Edinburgh Science Festival, Alessia D’Aleo and Leamne Arias Deniz. We're so grateful!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the organisers, volunteers, and participants - who contributed their time, talent, and resources to make the event a success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

Sustainable Fashion Designers

Mary Morton, Rosamund Williams, Sarina, Ally Price from Edinburgh Street Stitchers, Kate Dyer from Fibreshed Scotland, Pat Jastrzebska from Joyful Grapefruit, Amy & Marian, Rita Szentivanszki from Rita Blu Studio, Angélique, Walter Michael DeForest, Freya, Dee Orlowska, Orla, Josie, Sadie Warrall, Sarah Gledhill

Models

Dylan, Prudence, Ros, Ben, Sarina, Dee, Tone, Mary, Rachel, Kate, Rosie, Debs, Lily, Pia, Amy, Marian, Kate, Dylan, Prudence, Ros, Ben, Debs, Paolo, Walter, Riccardo, Indigo Child, Freya, Dee, Elisabeth, Alex, Harriet, Jocie, Sadie, Cat and Dorothy.

Volunteers

Fin, Sylvie, Euan, Carol Anne, Angélique, Cecily, Debs, Samip, Ashrika, Tone, Stuart, Eleanor, Lauren, Kate, Milica, Sara, Callum, Artí, Armando, Paolo, Gemma, Alex, (Bartender), Molly (Graphic Designer), Zee (Photographer), SKIFA and Edinburgh Street Stitchers.

Whether it was designing outfits, setting up the venue, or performing at the ceilidh, each person played a crucial role in bringing the Zero Waste Fundraiser to life.

Last but not least, we ended the day with a lively ceilidh, performed by the talented Dr. Reelgood Ceilidh Band

A huge thank you is owed to everyone who attended the event and showed their support - you’re each helping us build a more sustainable future! You can find out more about other ways to support SHRUB here.

In a society often dominated by fast fashion and disposable culture, initiatives like the Zero Waste Fundraiser remind us that there is a better way forward - one that prioritises creativity, sustainability, and community. As we look towards the future, let us carry the spirit of this event with us, remembering that each small step we take towards a zero waste lifestyle brings us closer to a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.

Photos by Zee Nowak.

2023 at the Wee Spoke Hub