Abta is gearing up to unveil Abta LifeLine, its charitable trust, set up to help people in the travel industry in need of help.
Previously known as the Abta Benevolent Fund, Abta LifeLine will be officially launched by TV presenter Bill Turnbull at The Travel Convention on Tuesday.
Anyone who works or has ever worked for an Abta member can apply to Abta LifeLine for assistance. The charity awards grants to help with everything from serious illness to sudden financial hardship.
Last month, the board of trustees met and awarded grants totalling £10,000 to help both serving and former employees of Abta members.
Abta LifeLine aims to reach an increasing number of industry employees in need and to do more than ever before to provide help when it is needed most.
Abta LifeLine director Trudie Drake said: “This first thing we need to do is spread the word. Not everyone who could benefit from LifeLine knows about it, and the same goes for potential supporters. To help as many people as possible, we need to reach as many as possible.
“Secondly, LifeLine relies on donations to keep going. That’s why we are also launching our £1 per employee appeal. There are hundreds and thousands of us working in travel, so if we all gave just £1 it would make a huge difference.
“Donate your £1 today and make a difference.”
Case study: Mia Austin
One example of the charity’s good work is Mia Austin, a 21-year-old Co-operative Travel agent who suffered a stroke and now has a rare condition known as “locked in” syndrome.
It affected the part of Mia’s brain that controls movement, leaving her paralysed. She is able to communicate only by blinking. The charity helped pay for a specially adapted vehicle that enables Mia to have some time away from hospital, something that is really important to her quality of life.
Rick Austin, Mia’s father, said: “If she had any choice she would want to be at home and we would want her here. To have the transport to be able to get her out of hospital for a break really helps to keep her going”.
Win two Eurostar tickets
Eurostar is supporting Abta LifeLine by giving away two Eurostar tickets for travel from Ashford to Paris, Lille, Brussels or Disneyland Paris.
To enter the draw, make a donation to Abta LifeLine.
- To donate, download and complete this form and post to: Trudie Drake, Abta, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ
Slips must be received by November 30 to be included in the prize draw.