This year marks the Family Holiday Association’s 40th anniversary, and since launching in 1975 it has helped nearly 30,000 families enjoy a break away.
It was created by parents Joan and Patrick Laurance, who set out to provide disadvantaged families with a holiday that would enrich their
lives long after the suitcases were unpacked.
That aim is still central to the charity, but over the years it has also developed a lobbying and campaigning arm. One of its current objectives is to promote the benefits of social tourism for families and the wider economy, by working with industry partners through its Holidays Matter scheme.
Vital support
Last year the FHA helped a record-breaking 2,872 families. While some were treated to a day trip, more than half stayed at a Haven or Pontins UK park, with many enjoying one of the 14 caravans owned by the charity.
Director John McDonald says it’s a product that works well: “We can provide a family who have more than likely never been on holiday together, with a break they can easily fit into and from which they can get the maximum benefit. A caravan in an isolated spot with little amenities might not do that.”
It costs £1.2 million to run the FHA each year, and the charity receives no government funding, with 40% of funds coming from corporate supporters, including Canvas Holidays and Tui Travel. In 2013, Tui’s chief executive Peter Long also became the charity’s president.
“Travel industry people understand exactly what a child has missed by never having paddled in the sea”
McDonald says that the support of travel organisations is “essential”, and in 2012-13 the FHA received £74,000 worth of gifts in kind, including Haven holiday vouchers and free First Great Western train tickets.
Over a third of its income is generated by individuals, many of whom work in travel, with cake sales and sponsored sporting activities consistently proving popular.
McDonald says those in the industry “intuitively understand” the importance of a break, adding: “Travel industry people understand exactly what a child has missed by never having paddled in the sea or never feeling sand between their toes.”
To maximise the interest around the FHA’s 40th anniversary it has launched the 500 for 500 campaign, asking 500 individuals and organisations in the industry to each pledge £500. It has already met 10% of the £250,000 target.
McDonald explains: “£500 is what it costs us to provide a modest seven-night break. By pledging, they have a simple target to achieve something very meaningful and tangible - giving a struggling family a much-needed break.”
