British tennis star Katie Boulter helped spread festive joy this week as she attended the Wimbledon Foundation Christmas Lunch, a special event hosted for older members of the local community at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC).
Boulter, who serves as a Wimbledon Foundation Champion, joined around 40 guests representing four community organisations:
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Age UK Merton
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Age UK Wandsworth
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Merton Goan Senior Citizens Association
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Sparkle
All four groups have previously received grants or support from the Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of The Championships and the AELTC.
A Warm Festive Experience for Older Residents
Guests were welcomed to the Champions’ Room, where they enjoyed a two-course Christmas lunch, festive bingo, and live musical entertainment. Katie spent the afternoon speaking with attendees, joining in activities, and later presenting each visitor with a gift — including jars of Wimbledon honey, harvested from beehives at the AELTC Community Tennis Centre in Raynes Park.
Sharing her thoughts on the event, Katie Boulter said she was honoured to take part:
“As a Wimbledon Foundation Champion, I’m delighted to be back at the All England Club serving the local community and spreading some Christmas joy. I am particularly passionate about supporting older people, so it’s been really special to meet four fantastic local charities supported by the Wimbledon Foundation and hear about the amazing work they do.”
The Event Highlights the Importance of Community Support
For many guests, the lunch was more than a festive outing — it offered connection, companionship and emotional support.
One attendee, Mavis, joined Sparkle after losing both her husband and son. She says the intergenerational community helped her regain confidence, describing it as a “lifeline from loneliness.” Sparkle hosts weekly sessions across Wandsworth, bringing older residents and young people together for reading, crafts, gardening and conversation.
Another guest, Anne, attends activities run by Age UK Merton after struggling with isolation following retirement. She joined their singing group in 2023 and now takes part in social events three to four times a week. She said the charity has given her purpose, community and better mental wellbeing.
Wimbledon Foundation Continues to Support Local Communities
The Wimbledon Foundation currently donates over £4 million annually to charitable causes. Around half of this funding supports projects in Merton and Wandsworth — providing help for people facing challenges such as isolation, poor mental health, financial hardship and lack of support networks.
Head of the Foundation, Paige Murphy, said:
“Through our grant programmes we’re proud to fund organisations that provide vital support to older people in Merton and Wandsworth. We hope this Christmas lunch brought joy to those who may feel isolated during the festive season.”
Why This Story Matters
This event highlights how sports organisations like Wimbledon play an ongoing role in their neighbourhood — not just during tournament season. With loneliness among older adults on the rise across the UK, community-driven initiatives like this lunch provide comfort, connection, and a reminder that everyone deserves company and celebration at Christmas.
