BNP Paribas' feelgood festive season for older people

As one of our most valued partners since 2019, BNP Paribas are instrumental in supporting Age Scotland’s vision to ensure that no one in Scotland faces the challenges of older age alone and we were delighted to be chosen as BNP Paribas’ Christmas charity for December 2025. Here are some of the ways the partnership supported older people during the festive season.

Festive Fundraising

Fundraising over the festive period is a fantastic way to give back, and BNP Paribas did just that. Hosting a jam-packed suite of events including a festive-dress day, raffle and bake-sale, the team at BNP Paribas threw themselves into the Christmas spirit. 

Kirsty Wilson, the vice president for corporate actions at BNP Paribas, said:

“At Christmas, we were proud to support Age Scotland, a charity that is close to our hearts. The fact that many older people will spend Christmas alone, without the comfort of loved ones, is a sobering reminder of the importance of Age Scotland's work and really resonated with our staff. We chose Age Scotland as our Christmas charity, as we wanted to help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, and to bring some joy and companionship to those who may be feeling isolated or alone during this time of year."

The team raised £1,768 with match funding taking this to a grand total of £3,536. These much-needed funds could help to reduce loneliness and isolation for up to 70 people by connecting them to local groups and activities or enable advisors on our helpline offer support and advice.

Lynn, an employee at BNP Paribas, describes getting involved with this festive fundraising:

“We are proud of the incredible amount of money we've raised through our raffle and bake sale. It was a joy to come together as a team and have so much fun while making a difference in the lives of older people across Scotland. We're grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Age Scotland's vital work and look forward to seeing the positive impact our donation will have." 

The Gift of Conversation

BNP Paribas raised more than just money this Christmas - they also raised spirits.

In partnership with our Friendship Services, BNP Paribas provided 572 friendship calls to older people experiencing loneliness across Scotland in 2025. This totalled 286 hours and made a meaningful difference to many older people who may not have anyone else to talk to.

The calls continued over Christmas. Age Scotland offers a friendship call to many older people on Christmas Day to help combat social isolation. This year 4 BNP Paribas team members kindly donating their time to make an important call before their Christmas lunch. 

Bryan, a friendship volunteer from BNP Paribas was one of them. He said:

"I have been volunteering with the Age Scotland friendship service for close to 2 years now, it is something that I very much enjoy doing and I take a real pride in telling people. In addition to the standard weekly service, we are given the opportunity to carry out friendship calls on Christmas Day and this is something that I have been privileged to have done twice.

"On each Christmas call that I have completed, the callers have been so appreciative to talk to someone and share stories of Christmas past or even just share an enjoyment of certain festive foods! With both, I was likely to be the only person they spoke to for the entirety of Christmas Day – which really highlights just how important and valuable the service Age Scotland offers is to those in our community that need it." 

The Big Gift Appeal

In 2024, Age Scotland found that 64,000 older people did not have anyone to exchange cards or gifts with over Christmas. To tackle this, we run our annual Big Gift Appeal, which seeks gifts from organisations to deliver to our member groups.

BNP Paribas helped show many older people that someone cared this Christmas by donating 74 gifts to the Appeal including boxes of chocolates, cosy blankets and books. These were delivered to two of Age Scotland’s member groups -  Connies Community Hall and Laurieston 50+, both in Glasgow, making a meaningful difference.

Gail, a BNP Paribas employee who helped deliver these gifts, said:

"Taking part in Age Scotland's Big Gift Appeal was a truly heartwarming experience. Being able to deliver the gifts to some of the groups the charity supports here in Glasgow was a privilege and seeing the happy faces and joy that the gifts brought to the recipients was amazing. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness and generosity can have on people's lives, we’re pleased to have been able to make a difference and bring some festive cheer to those who need it most."  

BNP Paribas’ generosity played a vital role in making this appeal our biggest and best yet, delivering 2,664 gifts to older people and reaching a record-breaking 75 member groups across Scotland.

From fundraising and donating gifts in kind to the friendship service, BNP Paribas have demonstrated the many ways an organisation can help Age Scotland to support older people.

If your organisation would like to find out more about how to get involved with fundraising all year round, or to enquire about our friendship service, please get in touch at fundraising@agescotland.org.uk