Iceland Foods makes £1m commitment to Alzheimer’s Research UK

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation is making an incredible commitment to donate £1 million to life-changing dementia research, as Alzheimer’s Research UK is announced as its new charity partner for 2019.

The two organisations will work together on a groundbreaking partnership that will fund research to help in the search for a cure for dementia, while also raising much-needed awareness of the cause.

As part of the partnership, stores will take part in a fun-filled charity fundraising week from June 8, where staff and customers will be able to show their support for Alzheimer’s Research UK through a variety of in-store activities.

This will be the second time Alzheimer’s Research UK has partnered with Iceland Foods, after the retailer supported the charity’s pioneering research programmes between 2011 and 2013. Since 2010, Iceland Foods has raised a total of £15 million for dementia charities.

There are almost one million people living with dementia in the UK, yet there are currently no ways to slow, stop or prevent the diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that cause it. Alzheimer’s Research UK’s vision is a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia and the charity is doing this by funding world-class research to better understand, diagnose, treat and reduce the risk of dementia. The charity is also focused on transforming the way the public thinks about dementia through hard-hitting awareness campaigns.

Sir Malcolm Walker, Founder and Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, said:

“Dementia has a devastating impact on our society and many of us will be personally affected by this incredibly cruel condition. Today we have to deal with dementia knowing there is no cure and that must change. We desperately need more effective treatments to drastically improve the lives of people living with dementia and that’s why I’m so thrilled that we are supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK this year. Iceland Foods’ £1m commitment to the UK’s leading dementia research charity will hopefully lead us closer to the crucial scientific breakthroughs that will result in more treatments and ultimately a cure.

“I’m so proud of what Iceland Foods has already done to support dementia charities and I’m excited to be able to build on that by again supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK this year. With the backing of our colleagues and customers, we have the potential to make a huge difference.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be partnered with Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation once again. There are very few, if any, organisations that have shown as much passion and commitment to bringing an end to the heartbreak of dementia, as this one.

“With dementia now the leading cause of death in the UK, we must do everything we can to bring about life-changing treatments faster and partnering with forward-thinking companies such as Iceland Foods will help make these breakthroughs possible. We’re so excited for the year ahead, as this partnership will give us a fantastic platform to reach so many people, including staff, suppliers and customers, and engage with them about our vital cause.”