LifeLine Director Calls on Trade to Offer Year-Round Support for Charity

Saturday, November 4, 2023

ABTA LifeLine Director, Trudie Clements, is encouraging the travel industry to show year-round support by signing up for the charity’s £2 per employee pledge. This appeal was made at ABTA’s Travel Convention, where it was announced that fundraising activities, including a cycle ride, raffle, auction, and a donation from Royal Caribbean, had raised £34,000.

Although this is a remarkable accomplishment, Trudie emphasizes that it should serve as just the starting point for fundraising endeavors within the travel industry.

She says, “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, vital debt advice or counselling support after a bereavement or relationship breakdown. 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.” She emphasizes that recognizing the challenges in personal finances currently, individual giving and fundraising are harder. That’s why she urges members to participate in corporate giving through the £2 per employee appeal. The funds will aid those in significant need.

ABTA LifeLine is urging companies to contribute £2 per employee, with businesses donating based on their workforce size. For instance, a company with 10 employees would donate £20, while a company with 2,000 employees would contribute £4,000. Notable supporters of this initiative include TUI, easyJet holidays, Blue Bay Travel, Kuoni, G Adventures, Seabourn, and Dawson and Sanderson.

Members interested in supporting the appeal can email [email protected] for more information.
Some of the ways LifeLine supports colleagues

• Emergency assistance: a voucher to purchase groceries and other necessities for the home
• Crisis grants: these are short-term, exceptional financial aid for pressing expenses like rent, utilities, mortgages, and council taxes.
• Pre-payment meters for cooking, lighting, and heating; debt, benefit, and housing advice via Citizen Advice Manchester; and energy vouchers.
• Crucial financial guidance that aids in our beneficiaries’ bill management
• Counselling and wellbeing support – through The Centre for Crisis Psychology
• Essential household appliances – fridges, cookers, washing machines etc.
• Funerals – essential costs where no state help is available
• Essentials for children – school uniform, shoes, IT equipment etc

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