On 28 June, Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow will host the Glasgow Charity Pickleball Festival, a unique event blending sport, community and cause - organised by Fiona Hughes, Marketing Executive at Criterion. The festival is raising funds for Waverley Care, and is sponsored and supported by Criterion.

Waverley Care is a leading HIV charity based in Edinburgh dedicated to raising awareness, increasing testing, and tackling the stigma surrounding HIV. The charity provides a range of services to people living with or affected by HIV, including support groups, counselling, and testing. It also works to promote awareness and understanding of HIV and to combat discrimination and prejudice. Last year it launched its ‘Get to Zero’ campaign, which is aimed at helping the Scottish government reach its goal of eradicating HIV in Scotland by 2030. Criterion has supported Waverley care through fundraising since 2019.

Driven by her connection to Waverley Care and passion for pickleball, Fiona has combined the two to create a fun event designed to bring people together around a shared purpose. Fiona was recently crowned the women's singles champion at the Scottish Nationals, as well as receiving two silvers in women's and mixed doubles. The festival has proven to be popular, and it was very quickly over-subscribed with a waiting list now in place - a reflection of the enthusiasm and generosity of the pickleball community.

Fiona Hughes: 

This felt like a natural way to connect something I care deeply about, Waverley Care, with something I love doing. The festival isn’t about competition - it’s about creating a positive atmosphere where people can meet, play, and support a really important cause.

Criterion is proud to back the initiative and support Fiona’s efforts to make a difference through her own interests.

Billy Burnside, Managing Director: 

We’re delighted to support Fiona and the Glasgow Charity Pickleball Festival. At Criterion, we’re proud of the causes we champion and the people who drive them forward. Fiona has turned her personal passion into an initiative that’s not only brought people together but is also raising vital funds for Waverley Care. The strong support for this event highlights the power of community-driven action and reflects our continued commitment to meaningful charity partnerships, employee-led initiatives, and making a tangible difference.