Care Home Colleagues and Residents Raise Thousands for Age Scotland
Colleagues and residents from a Scottish provider of elderly and specialist care have collectively raised over £8,000 for Age Scotland after eight months of innovative fundraising activities.
The Meallmore charity fund was boosted by a World Cup inspired summer activity, which brought together over 1500 residents and colleagues from all 27 Meallmore care homes across Scotland to take part in 90 minutes of movement with the Meallmore Match Ball.
Accompanied by the Meallmore Big Kick Off mascot, ‘Roary’, the ‘match ball’ travelled from home to home across Scotland. Starting at Greenan Manor Care Home in Ayr and finishing at Redwoods Care Home in Alness, the ball travelled the length and breadth of Scotland.
Residents, colleagues, families and local communities joined in the fun to rack up 2,430 minutes of movement across Meallmore for the ‘Big Meallmore Kick-Off’, raising £2482 for Age Scotland – beating their target of achieving one pound per minute, per care home.
Participant ages ranged from two to an incredible 103, and every movement counted towards the 90 minutes, from walking, dancing, stretching, singing and passing a ball to cheering on others and waving a flag. Activities varied at each home, as they were tailored to the needs and interests of the residents. More unusual activities included fun at the park and bouncing on a bouncy castle!
The team took on the challenge to raise vital funds for Age Scotland, a charity dedicated to supporting older people across Scotland. Their work helps older people feel valued, connected and supported, including through their helpline, friendship calls, community groups, wellbeing programmes and campaigning work.
The £2482 raised during the Big Kick Off added to funds raised by other activities during 2026, including colleagues taking part in The Kelpies Experience at Helix Park in Falkirk and a Christmas donation.
As well as supporting the charity, the activity brought many additional benefits to residents, including strengthened wellbeing and connection; fun, meaningful activities; movement, inclusion and team spirit. It also brought the homes together for a united goal.
Cillian Hennessey, CEO of Meallmore, said: “This is an incredible result from our colleagues and residents; going the extra mile, as always. Using the huge event of Scotland making it to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years as our inspiration, the Meallmore Big Kick Off did more than raise money for an important cause, it promoted connection, laughter, wellbeing, inclusion and created moments that residents, colleagues and the local communities could enjoy together.
“A huge well done to all those who contributed to the 90 minutes in any way possible, and a special thank you to everyone who supported and donated.”
Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive at Age Scotland said: “This is wonderful. We are genuinely in awe of the dedication, commitment and creativity that staff, residents and their families have shown in raising such a large amount of money for Age Scotland.
“Their generosity will help us continue supporting older people who turn to us for advice, information, friendship and practical help. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Meallmore for standing alongside us and helping to ensure people in Scotland are not left to face the challenges of older age alone.”
