Shoppers across Northern Ireland could win their Christmas shop for free as Lidl Northern Ireland launches its 12th annual Trolley Dash initiative in support of its charity partner, Age NI.

The supermarket sweep-style fundraiser gives lucky shoppers the chance to dash around their local Lidl store and fill their trolley with festive favourites and household staples in just two minutes, with nothing to pay at the till. Tickets go on sale on Friday 13th November. They cost just £1 each, with 100% of proceeds supporting Age NI.

Last year's event raised over £73,000 for Age NI and rewarded local customers across Northern Ireland with hundreds of pounds worth of festive food.

The initiative forms part of Lidl Northern Ireland's ongoing commitment to support older people across the region, through its partnership with Age NI. The partnership is helping to raise vital funds for Age NI's services, which provide friendship, advice and support to older people across Northern Ireland.

Research conducted by Lidl Northern Ireland revealed that one quarter (25%) of older people in Northern Ireland report sometimes or often going a whole day or more without speaking to anyone. The figure rises to almost half (45%) among those who live alone, highlighting the scale of isolation experienced by many older people across the region. 

Funds raised through Trolley Dash support Age NI to deliver essential services that provide advice and support to older people experiencing loneliness and isolation. The campaign also builds on the important conversation around positive ageing and the need to ensure older people feel seen, valued and included in their communities.

Supporting the launch of this year's Trolley Dash, Radio DJ and campaign spokesperson, Ibe Sesay said: "I'm delighted to support Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI for this year's Trolley Dash. Having worked with both organisations before, I've seen first-hand the positive difference Age NI makes and heard directly from older people about how valuable that support can be. "Trolley Dash is such a fun way for shoppers to get behind an important cause at Christmas. Behind every £1 ticket is support that can make a real difference to older people across Northern Ireland. I'd encourage everyone to pick up a ticket, get involved and be in with the chance of winning their Christmas shop."

Linda Robinson BEM, Chief Executive of Age NI, said: "Every pound raised through Lidl Northern Ireland's Trolley Dash makes a genuine difference to Age NI, helping us deliver essential services that support older people across Northern Ireland.

"Thousands of older people face loneliness, financial pressure or health challenges, and campaigns like this give us the resources to reach into communities and offer real help where it's needed most.

"We're incredibly grateful to Lidl Northern Ireland and their staff and customers for their continued support, and we'd encourage everyone to pick up a Trolley Dash ticket this year. It's a fun and festive way to do something that truly makes a difference to the lives of older people."

Gordon Cruikshanks, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director, said: "Trolley Dash has become a highlight of the festive calendar, and every year our customers and colleagues show incredible support for our fundraising efforts. Last year, we raised over £73,000 for Age NI, and we're proud to be bringing the campaign back for its 12th year.

"Our partnership with Age NI is about making a meaningful difference to older people across Northern Ireland. By buying a £1 ticket, customers can enjoy the excitement of being in with the chance of winning their Christmas shop while helping Age NI continue its vital work in communities across the region."

Tickets for Lidl Northern Ireland's Trolley Dash cost £1 each and go on sale in all Lidl Northern Ireland stores from Friday 13th November to Sunday 29th November. 

Winners will be invited to take part in the Christmas Trolley Dash at their local Lidl Northern Ireland store on Saturday 12th December 2026, before store opening, giving them a clean run at the aisles to grab as many festive favourites as they can.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk/trolleydash.