In tribute to the charity’s founders, The Family Holiday Association is asking 500 friends in the travel industry to pledge £500 each for its 40th anniversary.
The campaign, 500 for 500, launched at the Elman Wall Travel Directors’ Summit on Wednesday, hopes to raise £250,000 for the charity which helps disadvantaged families enjoy a holiday.
FHA was set up in 1975 by Pat and Joan Laurance who asked 10 friends each for a £50 donation.
The charity says each £500 pledge will enable the charity to send a family on a modest seven-night break in a caravan by the British seaside.
It is encouraging travel and tourism organisations and professionals to make multiple pledges so more families and their children can enjoy a short break away.
Alison Rice, chair of the Family Holiday Association, said: "We help some of the most disadvantaged families in the UK: families knocked sideways by dire circumstances. A short, simple break can really make a difference and help a family cope with whatever the future throws at them."
The charity has produced an A – Z of fundraising ideas to help companies wanting to use their 500 for 500 pledges as opportunities for team-building fun.
