County Antrim Lidl shoppers raise over £25,000 for Age NI in festive Trolley Dash fundraiser

Antrim Trolley Dash winner Daniel Lemon took home over £167 worth of Lidl’s award-winning Deluxe festive food and treats to enjoy over the Christmas season

Lidl shoppers across County Antrim have raised more than £25,000 for Age NI, as part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s annual festive Trolley Dash fundraiser, helping to support older people across Northern Ireland during the winter months.

The County Antrim total contributed to an overall regional figure of £73,433, raised through ticket sales for the popular seasonal initiative.

Every penny raised will go directly to Age NI, Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partner, to support its services for older people at a time of year when demand is particularly high.

The excitement reached Antrim on Saturday 13 December, when a lucky local shopper was among 44 winners across Northern Ireland to take part in a two-minute supermarket sweep at their local Lidl store.

Winners were challenged to fill a trolley with festive favourites, completely free of charge, adding a sense of Christmas fun while supporting a serious cause.

Antrim Trolley Dash winner Daniel Lemon took home over £167 worth of Lidl’s award-winning Deluxe festive food and treats to enjoy over the Christmas season

Among those pictured enjoying the dash was Daniel Lemon, who “went wild in the aisles” at Lidl’s Junction One store in Antrim, taking home more than £167 worth of Lidl’s award-winning Deluxe festive food and treats to enjoy over the Christmas season.

Inclusive first for the fundraiser

This year’s campaign also marked a first for Lidl Northern Ireland, with the introduction of a specially designed Age Friendly Trolley Dash, developed in partnership with Age NI.

The initiative invited Age NI service users to take part in adapted dashes at selected stores, offering participants an additional three minutes in the aisles and extra assistance where required.

The move was aimed at ensuring older participants could enjoy the experience safely, comfortably and with the same excitement as the traditional dash — a development that organisers say added a powerful human dimension to the campaign.

Commenting on the success of the fundraiser, Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director at Lidl Northern Ireland, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have raised £73,433 for Age NI this year. Every ticket purchased has helped make a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm shown by Lidl customers and colleagues across Northern Ireland.

“Introducing the Age Friendly Trolley Dash has been a very meaningful step for us. Watching older participants take part was a highlight of the campaign this year, and we are proud to support Age NI in championing older people in our communities.”

Supporting older people through winter

Antrim Trolley Dash winner Daniel Lemon took home over £167 worth of Lidl’s award-winning Deluxe festive food and treats to enjoy over the Christmas season

Age NI said the funds raised will help ensure vital services can continue throughout the colder months, when loneliness and isolation can be particularly acute for older people.

Linda Robinson BEM, Chief Executive of Age NI, added:

“We are so thankful for the exceptional support received through this year’s Trolley Dash. The funds raised will allow Age NI to continue delivering vital service for older people right across Northern Ireland, especially at a time of year when many feel isolated.

“The Age Friendly Trolley Dashes were a wonderful addition. Seeing older participants feel included, supported and part of the excitement was truly uplifting, and we are delighted to work with Lidl Northern Ireland to help drive equity, and create these moments for the people we support.”

With thousands raised locally in County Antrim alone, the festive fundraiser has once again shown how everyday shoppers can turn a moment of Christmas fun into meaningful support for older people across Northern Ireland.