Festive Trolley Dash 2025 Raises £73,433 to Support Older People This Winter

Lidl Northern Ireland is celebrating the success of its 2025 Trolley Dash, which has raised £73,433 for its charity partner Age NI this festive season. The much-loved fundraising initiative once again received overwhelming support from shoppers across the region, with every penny from ticket sales donated directly to the charity to help support older people throughout Northern Ireland. 

On Saturday 13th December, 44 lucky Trolley Dash winners enjoyed the thrill of a two-minute supermarket sweep-style dash in Lidl stores across the region, filling their trolleys with festive favourites at no cost.

In a first for the retailer, this year’s initiative also featured a special Age Friendly Trolley Dash developed in partnership with Age NI. This new addition invited Age NI service users to take part in specially adapted dashes across selected Lidl stores.

Participants were offered an additional three minutes in the aisles and support where needed, ensuring they could take part safely, comfortably and with the same sense of enjoyment and excitement as the traditional dash.

The Age Friendly element aimed to promote inclusion, confidence and visibility, following recent research by Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI, which revealed that two thirds of older people in Northern Ireland feel overlooked or invisible in daily life.

Commenting on the success of this year’s campaign, 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.” 

Speaking about the support from Lidl shoppers, 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.” 

Acclaimed actor Ian McElhinney is a spokesperson for the charity partnership. He said: 

“It has been wonderful to hear about the success of this year’s Trolley Dash, and especially to learn how the new Age Friendly element was received.  

“I’m very proud to support Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI in championing older people and helping to create opportunities that promote visibility, inclusion and joy in later life. Initiatives like this make a meaningful difference to communities right across Northern Ireland.”