WHO would have thought it?That most feared negotiator Paul Evans, the former Going Places deputy managing director, has turned his hand to a worthy cause – no, not himself.
After quitting the Airtours group for the second time, Evans is putting considerable time and effort into charity work during his year’s gardening leave before he joins rival First Choice.
Barred from writing controversial columns for Travel Weekly, Evans is helping Whizz-Kidz, which provides mobility aids for disabled children in the UK.
His negotiating skills have come in handy as he’s demanding better deals from suppliers to the charity.
And he’s keeping fit in preparation for trekking for four days through the Andean Mountains of Peru at an altitude of 13,800ft on behalf of Whizz-Kidz.
Evans has set himself a target of raising £25,000 to help buy new wheelchairs, trikes and walking frames for the disabled children.
“I’m putting cash in it myself and I’ve written to everyone asking for money and it’s coming in at over £500 a week,” he said.
So far Federation of Tour Operators chairman Martin Brackenbury, Eastcastle managing director Michael East and current employers Airtours have coughed up.
“I haven’t got Steve Endacott (former colleague and friend) yet but I’ve told him that if he doesn’t donate I’ll cut off his supply of stock when I get back to work!”
Evans added: “I write to MDs and they write back saying it is the company’s policy to support so and so charity,” said Evans. “I write back and say ‘I’m not interested in the company’s money, I want yours!'”
Backchat’s editor will be making a contribution(personal, not company!). To make a donation, e-mail Paul at paul.evans42@virgin.net or call him on 01342 811102.