First Choice Praised for Holiday Fundraising

A caravan in Prestatyn which has given a simple seaside break to many disadvantaged families has been officially renamed the 'First Choice Caravan' in honour of the holiday company’s fantastic fundraising.

Staff from First Choice, part of TUI UK and Ireland, have raised more than a whopping £11,000 for the Family Holiday Association since 2009.

Well known in the travel industry, the Family Holiday Association funds simple seaside breaks for UK families living in poverty, and with other distressing situations such as abuse, illness, violence and bereavement.

The caravan, sited at Presthaven Sands, has been in use constantly throughout 2011 with 32 families in desperate need of a break enjoying the North Wales coast. In years to come it will provide a break to hundreds more.

This year, the families included the Jones family. Mr and Mrs Jones, despite both suffering from poor health and living on a low income, now look after their grandchildren who were neglected by their own parents. Life is difficult, but Mr and Mrs Jones try to make the best of it for their grandchildren’s sake. A simple seaside break allowed the family to forget their troubles for a short while, and to build new, happier memories for the future.

John McDonald, Director of the Family Holiday Association, said: “We are so very grateful to both First Choice and to TUI UK and Ireland for their kind support. We were able to help just over 2,000 families this year to take a simple seaside break, families who are living in really distressing circumstances, and that is in no small way thanks to First Choice and TUI UK & Ireland.”

Mark Johnson, Director of First Choice, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to raise money for the Family Holiday Association which will help under privileged families enjoy a much needed holiday by the sea. Throughout the year our staff have come up with various money raising initiatives ranging from staying the night in a haunted house, auction nights, and sailing around Anglesey, to biking the Pennine Trail. We are delighted to be associated with this worthy charity and look forward to working together in the future.”

First Choice current offersleaflet.