The ABTA supported charity The Family Holiday Association is marking 40 years of enabling disadvantaged families to have a much needed holiday, with its “500 for 500” campaign.

In 1975 Pat and Joan Laurance founded the Family Holiday Association by asking 10 friends each for a £50 donation. Today the charity is celebrating its 40th anniversary by inviting 500 friends in the travel and tourism industry to raise £250K with 500 pledges of £500.

The campaign, 500 for 500, is the charity’s chief travel & tourism industry-wide initiative for 2015.

Over the last 40 years the charity has built strong ties to the travel and tourism industry, united by their desire to spread happiness, create cherished memories and improve the well-being of severely disadvantaged families in the UK. The Family Holiday Association’s latest initiative stays true to the vision of their founders who experienced the benefits of a much-needed holiday while raising a young family during very difficult times.

Each £500 pledge will enable the charity to send a family on a modest seven-night break in a caravan by the British seaside. The charity is encouraging travel and tourism organisations and professionals to make multiple pledges so more families and their children can enjoy a short break away.

For more information and to pledge visit the charity’s website www.FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk/500for500