Asda Antrim raises thousands for dementia support and brings generations together

Asda Antrim raises funds for Dementia NI

Asda Antrim has strengthened its support for the local community with backing for two separate initiatives — helping bring generations together in Randalstown through a community sports event and raising more than £6,000 for Dementia NI.

The supermarket’s latest community efforts have seen Randalstown Ulster-Scots Society awarded a £600 grant through the Asda Foundation, while colleagues at the Antrim store have also completed a major year-long fundraising drive that delivered £6,253 for Dementia NI.

The dual effort highlights a strong community focus stretching beyond donations alone, with staff directly involved in projects designed to tackle social isolation, promote inclusion and support families across Northern Ireland.

Bringing generations together in Randalstown

Randalstown Ulster Scots Society with pupils from Randalstown Central Primary School

Through funding provided by the Asda Foundation, Randalstown Ulster-Scots Society was able to organise a Boccia tournament bringing together pupils from Randalstown Central Primary School and older members of the local community.

The £600 grant enabled the intergenerational event to take place, creating an opportunity for schoolchildren and senior residents to spend time together through sport and conversation.

Boccia, a seated ball sport often used in inclusive and community settings, provided the backdrop for what organisers described as a warm and meaningful morning.

Ashley Ritchie, Community Champion at Asda Antrim, said:

“The £600 we secured through the Asda Foundation grant was amazing for Randalstown Ulster Scots Society. Bringing different generations together for a Boccia tournament was a great morning’s fun with seniors and children enjoying it equally.

“Giving them the chance to play the game and eat their lunch together is not something they get to do every day so to be part of that and hearing them chatting so easily with each other was something special.

“The initiative reflects Asda Antrim’s broader approach to community engagement: not simply providing funding, but actively championing opportunities that reduce isolation, encourage inclusion and strengthen local bonds.”

Ashley Ritchie, Community Champion, Asda Antrim secures funding

The event’s emphasis on shared activity and conversation between younger and older generations reflects a growing focus across local communities on reducing loneliness and strengthening social ties.

For both the schoolchildren and older participants, the tournament also created a rare chance to spend time together in an informal and welcoming environment.

Store colleagues go the extra mile for Dementia NI

Alongside its community grant work, the team at Asda Antrim has also been celebrating the success of an extensive fundraising campaign in support of Dementia NI, raising an impressive £6,253 throughout 2025.

The fundraising total was achieved through a wide range of activities involving store colleagues, customers, friends and families.

Events included abseiling, participation in the Belfast Marathon relay, spinathons, tuckshops and darts events, with staff taking on both physical challenges and in-store fundraising initiatives to boost support.

Ashley Ritchie said:

“It was a pleasure to raise such an amazing amount for Dementia NI throughout 2025. The staff in the charity were great to work with, and we thoroughly enjoyed all the fundraising activities we did - especially abseiling down the Europa. A huge thanks to colleagues, customers, friends and family, whose generosity and encouragement made our fundraising success possible.”

The reference to abseiling down the Europa points to one of the most high-profile fundraising moments of the campaign, adding a memorable challenge to the year’s efforts.

Support for families living with dementia

Dementia NI has welcomed the fundraising achievement, noting the direct impact the money will have on people living with dementia and their families across Northern Ireland.

Karen Kerr, Head of Engagement at Dementia NI, said:

“We want to thank all of the staff and customers at Asda Antrim for your support in helping make a real impact on the lives of people living with dementia across Northern Ireland.

“A special thanks to Ashley Ritchie, Community Champion, who was the driving force behind the success of this fantastic partnership. Ashley and her team demonstrated great enthusiasm in raising vital funds and awareness among customers and within their local community.”

The funds raised will help support Dementia NI’s work in providing services, awareness and practical support for those affected by dementia throughout the region.

The partnership also underscores the increasing role large local employers and retailers can play in supporting charities and community-led initiatives beyond their core business operations.

A growing community footprint

Taken together, the grant support in Randalstown and the major Dementia NI fundraiser underline Asda Antrim’s growing community footprint across the wider area.

From helping create moments of connection between schoolchildren and senior residents to raising thousands for a leading Northern Ireland charity, the store’s efforts have had a tangible local impact.

The initiatives also place community engagement at the centre of the store’s work — not only through financial support but through direct staff involvement and long-term partnerships.

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At a glance

• Asda Antrim supported two major community initiatives

• £600 Asda Foundation grant awarded to Randalstown Ulster-Scots Society

• Funding enabled an intergenerational Boccia tournament

• Event brought together Randalstown Central Primary School pupils and older residents

• Store colleagues raised £6,253 for Dementia NI during 2025

• Fundraising included abseiling, Belfast Marathon relay, spinathons, tuckshops and darts

• Dementia NI praised staff and customers for making a “real impact”

• Ashley Ritchie highlighted inclusion, community bonds and reducing isolation