The Family Holiday Charity is urging those in the travel sector to ‘buy one and donate one’ for National Ice Cream Day on July 16 to help families in need to take a break.
National Ice Cream Day takes place on the third Sunday in July and the charity is hoping to use this summer’s celebration to raise £12,000 to support 20 families across the UK benefit from the time and space of a holiday.
If supporters buy one scoop for themselves, they can donate the cost of the second scoop – with the average cost of an ice cream being £3.
Kat Lee, chief executive of Family Holiday Charity, said: “Ice cream is so often associated with being away on a summer holiday and relaxing and enjoying time together with friends and loved ones, but for so many families across the UK, this just isn’t possible.
“Many of the families we support are juggling additional caring responsibilities, bereavement long term illness, isolation and mental health challenges, or are survivors of abuse.
“For them, that moment of peace that comes as they eat an ice cream at the seaside is just out of reach.
“So this National Ice Cream Day we are asking when you indulge in your favourite flavour, to ‘buy one and give one’ by donating to our charity. Share your moment of joy with a family who really needs it.”
One family supported by the charity is Kevin from Immingham, Lincolnshire, and his six daughters (pictured) who spent three nights at Mablethorpe in April – a resort that he had often visited as a child.
He said: “The holiday helped me get my mojo back; we came home, and I faced the tasks that had once felt like impossible obstacles. It was more than just a holiday or ice creams at the beach, it was exactly what we all needed.”
To donate or find out more, visit familyholidaycharity.org.uk/icecream