Speaking at the Abta Travel Convention in Bodrum this week, Trudie Clements revealed the fundraising total following a flurry of recent donations, including one from Royal Caribbean International, stood at £34,000 this year.
However, she called on travel firms to support the charity year round, highlighting LifeLine’s £2 per employee pledge which companies can commit to.
Firms such as Tui, easyJet holidays, Blue Bay Travel, Kuoni, G Adventures, Seabourn and Dawson & Sanderson have all donated £2 per employee.
“Abta LifeLine is there for people at the hardest times in their lives, whether that’s financial assistance whilst someone is on long-term sick leave, vital debt advice or counselling support after a bereavement or relationship breakdown,” Clements said.
“The charity provides timely support to help people get through these difficult moments, and many more, but we can only do that if the funds are there.
“It’s been great seeing the enthusiasm and support for LifeLine over the last few days, and my thanks goes to all of those involved; we now need to see that commitment to the cause extend beyond the Convention. We are here for your people, and we need you to be here for us.”
She added: “We know that times are tough and this makes individual giving and fundraising much more difficult, which is why we’re really keen for members to get involved via corporate giving through the £2 per employee appeal.
“The money will be used to support those who are in serious need and help people through the toughest times in their lives.”
LifeLine provides people who have fallen on hard times with vouchers to buy essential household items, grants to cover bills, counselling and well-being support, essential household appliances and essential items for children.
For more details about the appeal, Abta members can email lifeline@abtalifeline.org.uk.
