Aldi Scotland Brings Festive Cheer to Cranhill Community
As part of Aldi and Age Scotland's Festive Friends partnership, Aldi Scotland has brought some much-needed joy to older people in Glasgow.
Article Source: Aldi Scotland
Last Updated: 21 December 2023 10:20
Aldi Scotland brightened the spirits of Age Scotland’s Cranhill member group on Friday 15th December by providing funding for an unforgettable Christmas celebration, thanks to their Festive Friends campaign.
The Christmas party, held at the Cranhill Development Trust in Glasgow, treated attendees to a delicious 3 course Christmas dinner. The catering volunteers who regularly support the group were also able to enjoy the feast as staff took over cooking duties for the day.
The party lit up with joy and laughter as the humorous jokes and heartfelt poems submitted by Aldi shoppers were read aloud. The group were also treated to snacks, drinks and participated in some Christmas themed games before The Wee Garage Band, a local rock and blues cover band, rounded off the merriment.
The Festive Friends campaign was launched by Aldi and Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, in November 2023 when they partnered to bring some much-needed joy to older people experiencing loneliness this winter.
Young Scots were encouraged to share their favourite poem or joke on a Festive Friends postcard and submit it through one of the post-boxes placed in Scottish Aldi stores from 7th to 19th November. Over 500 submissions were received, which were shared across 90 of Age Scotland’s member groups to add a touch of sparkle to their individual Christmas events.
When Aldi Scotland heard that the Cranhill group were struggling to afford their Christmas party, they were delighted to provide a funding boost, ensuring the festive bash was extra special, as for many of the group’s members it was the only celebration they will take part in this year.
Emma Young from the Cranhill Development Trust said: “Thanks to Aldi, we’ve been able to throw an extra special Christmas party this year. Many of our members don’t have any family so the opportunity to come together to enjoy a good meal, quality entertainment and great company can make a huge difference to older people’s quality of life at any time of the year, but no more so than at Christmas.
“Friday's event will be a wonderful lasting memory for years to come. We cannot thank Aldi enough for their support.”
Stacey Kitzinger, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Age Scotland, said: “We were delighted to team up with Aldi to spread some festive cheer this winter and put a smile on older people’s faces through kind words and funny jokes.
“For many of the older people we support, these Christmas parties will be one of the biggest social events, if not the only social event, they’ll attend this season.
“Seeing the Cranhill groups’ faces light up as they read their Festive Friends postcards is one of the best gifts we could’ve asked for this Christmas and showcases the real difference this campaign has had on the lives of older people across Scotland. It highlights that while money is tight, reaching out to help older people feel a little less lonely doesn’t have to cost anything – often the simplest of acts can have the biggest impact.”
Richard Holloway, Regional Director at Aldi Scotland, added: “We’d like to extend a massive thank you to all of our customers who took the time to share their favourite joke or poem. This is the first year we have run this campaign and we’re thrilled with the enthusiasm shown.
“Age Scotland does invaluable work for older people across the country and so we were delighted to extend our support to ensure one of their member groups in need could throw the Christmas party they deserved.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas
Buchanan Galleries has joined forces with The White Company in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development
Crossbasket Castle will deliver one of Scotland’s newest and most exciting five-star hospitality experiences, with a unique restaurant by Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway
OVO Hydro, Scotland's Home of Live Entertainment, is spreading holiday cheer with a festive giveaway and support for Nordoff & Robbins music therapy charity.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
People in Glasgow asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards
Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its inaugural Recognition Awards.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
'Hook' a Duck around Glasgow for your chance to win tickets to this year's IRN-BRU Carnival!
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards
OVO Hydro, Scotland's premier entertainment venue, has been named Venue of the Year at the prestigious Live Awards.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas
Weather presenter took part in George Square market as he promotes his first festive children's book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.
READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations
From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm is getting set to perform her forthcoming new album to local audiences as part of Celtic Connections at Barony Hall on Saturday 1st February.
READ MORE
Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.
READ MORE
Tis The Season of Giving
Buchanan Galleries partners with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to help spread festive joy!
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort reveals new competition winning festive pancake coming to its markets
Glasgow Fort has announced the winner of its recent competition to design an exclusive festive pancake flavour.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce comedy commission with The Alasdair Gray Archive
Alan Bissett, Ashley Storrie and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd to create responses to The Alasdair Gray Archive as part of Glasgow 850.
READ MORE
Katy J from Capital Radio returns to join the fun in The Wizard of Oz
Guess who's back to sprinkle some extra magic (and laughs) on the SEC stage?
READ MORE
Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan
Ice hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.
READ MORE
Drag legend Andi Martine joins all star cast of Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens this January
Glasgow's own Andi Martine joins an all-star cast including Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, Celebrity Big Brother-winner David Potts and Ru Paul's reigning Queens, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas
READ MORE
Merry go round celebrates National Lottery Grant to support Glasgow families
Local Southside charity Merry-go-round is celebrating a £39,000 award from The National Lottery Cost of Living Support Fund.
READ MORE
The biggest Festive Artists and Makers Market in Scotland returns to the Briggait
Support local artisans and discover one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season when the highly anticipated Wasps Winter Artists and Makers Market at The Briggait returns this weeekend!
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre launches Priority Live scheme
The Pavilion Theatre is delighted to announce it is part of a brand-new membership scheme from Trafalgar Theatres – PRIORITY LIVE - offering exciting new benefits for theatre fans everywhere.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links