At Criterion, we’re proud to back initiatives that matter to our people. On 28 June, that support took to the court - literally - as one of our colleagues, Fiona, organised and hosted the Glasgow Charity Pickleball Festival, raising an impressive £4,500 for our charity partner, Waverley Care.

Whilst not busy with the day job as Marketing Executive at Criterion, Fiona is passionate about the sport of pickleball. She has travelled extensively across Europe playing in tournaments and recently won medals in the Scottish National Pickleball Championship.

Held in Scotstoun, Glasgow, the charity festival brought together over 120 players from across Scotland, the North of England, and even Ireland, where it was Fiona’s first time organising a pickleball event of this scale.

Criterion sponsored the festival by covering the cost of the facility, allowing the money raised to go directly to Waverley Care, which supports people across Scotland affected by HIV and hepatitis C. The event also raised valuable awareness during Pride Month, helping to shine a light on the charity’s work tackling health inequalities and stigma.

As well as fundraising, the day was a celebration of community. With a full day of play, raffles, and a welcoming atmosphere, the event helped introduce pickleball players to each other and showcased how sport can bring people together for a cause.

Fiona Hughes: 

While many people think of pickleball as a new sport, it’s actually been around since 1965 - and now it’s really gaining momentum in the UK as one of the fastest-growing sports. What makes pickleball so special is how inclusive and accessible it is, which makes it the perfect fit for supporting Waverley Care - a charity built on the values of acceptance, support, and respect. This kind of initiative reflects what we believe in at Criterion: that when we support our people, great things can happen - not just within the business, but across the wider communities we’re part of. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the festival such a success, and to Criterion for backing the event.

John McKellar, Waverley Care’s National Fundraising Manager: 

Congratulations to Fiona Hughes, Scotland's National Pickleball Champion, who organised last month's Glasgow Charity Pickleball Festival. Fiona has been a dedicated friend and ambassador of Waverley Care for many years, and we're so grateful she chose us as the charity beneficiary of the event. What an incredible result - over £4,500 raised!