Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Article Source: Aldi
Last Updated: 3 December 2025 10:19

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities through a community choir she has led for the past 12 years.

Jeni Mallace, who joined Aldi in 2014, has always had a passion for singing and musical theatre, and put a call out on Facebook back in 2013 to encourage people to join her Christmas carolling at Bo’ness Hospital.

What began as a small group of people has since grown into a 17-strong choir, known as The Bo’ness Belles, who perform in care homes regularly to help combat loneliness in older people, all while supporting good causes across the country.

Over the years, the group has sung everywhere from The Dome on George Street to the Foodies Festival in Edinburgh, even appearing on the same line-up as pop band Scouting for Girls in August. With themed performances each year, the choir has built a reputation for uplifting performances that bring communities together.

In 2023, as the Belles celebrated their 10th anniversary, Jeni’s colleagues at Aldi’s Bathgate distribution centre were asked if they knew anyone in the team deserving of a British Empire Medal (BEM), which recognises “hands-on” community contributions or innovative work.

Her colleagues didn’t hesitate in putting Jeni’s name forward, knowing all too well how much the Belles had achieved over the years.

Despite their achievements, Jeni says the aim has always been simple.

Jeni Mallace, founder of Bo’ness Belles and Admin Assistant at Aldi Scotland, said: “Our main purpose is to brighten up what might be a dull day for the elderly, and if we can raise money for different charities at the same time, then that’s a bonus. The whole choir give their all week after week, and I really couldn’t do it without them.”

Over the years, The Bo’ness Belles have supported charities including Bo’ness Car4U, a transport service that supports people in Bo’ness living with cancer, Falkirk Autistic Bairns, which supports children and families affected by autism, and the Bo’ness Storehouse Foodbank.

Jeni was officially presented with the medal at Stirling Castle on Monday 24 November and will attend a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse next summer to celebrate her achievement.

She continued: “Never would I have thought all those years ago that I would have been awarded something like a British Empire Medal for services to charity. My Aldi colleagues wrote the loveliest letter, detailing what the Bo’ness Belles do, and I felt really overwhelmed that the people I work with had nominated me.

“This all started from a love of singing and a desire to help combat loneliness in the elderly, so it’s incredible to think our choir has grown into something that has made such a difference.”

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud of Jeni and are so pleased to see her dedication recognised with such a prestigious honour. Her passion, commitment and community spirit embody the values we hold at Aldi. She is an inspiration to both colleagues and customers alike.”

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Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

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