Derry shoppers raise over £8,500 for Age NI in festive 'Trolley Dash'

Shoppers across Derry successfully raised over £8,500 for Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partner, Age NI, as part of the retailer's 2025 festive Trolley Dash. These local donations contributed to a regional fundraising total of £73,433 generated through ticket sales.

Every penny raised, including the funds from Derry stores, will go directly toward supporting older people across Northern Ireland throughout this winter.

On Saturday, December 13, the thrill of a two-minute supermarket sweep came to the county as a lucky Derry shopper, along with 43 others across the region, enjoyed the unique opportunity to fill a trolley with their favourite festive items for free at their local Lidl store. The Derry dash was a moment of excitement and festive cheer, joining the 44 dashes that took place across Northern Ireland.

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 thoughtful 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 assistance where needed, ensuring they could take part safely, comfortably, and with the same sense of enjoyment and excitement as the traditional dash.

Going wild in the aisles at the Springtown Road Lidl store in Derry was Paddy Ryan who took home over £400 worth of Lidl’s award-winning Deluxe festive food and treats to enjoy over the Christmas season.

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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.”