LifeLine’s Spirit of Christmas fundraising drive is seeking to support industry colleagues “most in need” and experiencing hardship amid the winter cost of living crisis.

The industry charity will provide supermarket gift vouchers for a Christmas food shop, and the appeal is open to past and present employees of Abta member businesses.

To apply, or to nominate a colleague, visit abtalifeline.org.uk

Applicants will be required to provide a short paragraph about why they have made the nomination.

Speaking to TTG last week, LifeLine director Trudie Clements said the charity had reported a surge in requests for help with rent and council tax arrears as the cost of living crisis worsens.

Clements said she had noticed a “huge jump” in applications since September, with LifeLine paying out £10,000 in crisis grants in the last week alone.

Launching the Spirit of Christmas appeal, she said: “We are delighted to bring back the Spirit of Christmas initiative to help make Christmas a little easier for those who are really struggling.

“It has been a tough couple of years and now with the cost of living crisis affecting so many, we want to help ease mounting pressure and raise spirits by providing Christmas dinners. Christmas is a magical time of the year, and a big part of that is helping those in need. So, it is vital we all come together to get through these challenging times."

Travel businesses are being encouraged to support Lifeline in a number of way this Christmas – from donating £2 per employee to holding fundraising raffles and Christmas jumper days. 

Firms can contact lifeline@abtalifeline.org.uk to pledge their help. 

“We’re also encouraging industry colleagues to look at supporting travel professionals through fundraising or donations,” said Clements.

“Even the smallest amount can make a big difference. We want to be able to help as many people as possible through these difficult times and we need the support of the industry to be able to do that.”