19 May 2010
TUI UK & Ireland staff awarded Founders Bowl
Supporters acknowledged at the charity's annual reception

Each year the charity rewards supporters who have made a particularly important contribution to the work of the charity and this year's annual reception held in the Boardroom of Westminster University in the heart of London's west end was no exception.

 

Ian Reynolds, chairman of trustees, said he was proud to acknowledge the terrific help and support provided by a number of supporters, individuals, companies and groups. 

 

Founders' Bowl

Ian recollected that last year the Founders’ Bowl went to Thomson Airways who were raising a great deal of money for the charity through their on-board coin collections "These collections continue, but we also now receive a great deal of support from TUI staff right across the business – from the First Choice and Thomson shops, to the staff at head offices.  So we’d like to acknowledge all the hard work of TUI staff with this award."

 

Corporate Award - ABTA – the Travel Foundation.

For many years the annual reception was held at the ABTA offices in Newman Street.  ABTA generously gave the charity access to the space every year and were very supportive of the organisation.  Recently ABTA relocated their offices from nearby Newman Street but they continue to support our work in a variety of ways.

In announcing the award Ian said "Every year we’re able to have a presence at the Travel Convention, one of the travel industry’s most prestigious international events.  At the Convention we’re able, with ABTA’s support, to raise the profile of the charity within the travel industry and to raise funds through such events as the annual Fun Run.  ABTA staff get involved in many of our events, particularly the Pub Quiz.  And they have been very generous in helping to publicise our activities to their members. It is excellent for us to be associated with one of the most respected trade bodies in the country, so we’d like to acknowledge ABTA’s support with an award."  Frances Tuke, ABTA's PR Manager, was delighted to accept the award on behalf of her organisation.

 

Welfare Agent – Michelle KIlford
Michelle from Harlow & Broxbourne Women’s Aid refers dozens of families to us for support.

Ian Reynolds introduced the award by telling the assembled guests "The families who Michelle works with have been through the extreme trauma associated with domestic violence. 

"We have found that, as families rebuild their lives and get back on their feet again, a short break can really help them to build confidence and a more positive outlook.  Without the help of the welfare agents who refer families to us for help, we would not be able to help the many families that we do. 

"The Family Holiday Association has been pleased to work with Michelle over the past few years.  We really appreciate her dedication and professionalism and so, this year, we would like to acknowledge the important contribution she has made to our work." 

Michelle said she accepted the award on behalf of herself and all her co-workers and thanked the Family Holiday Association for the help the charity had provided her clients over the past few years.

 

Other awards were presented to Alistair Crossley - Individual Supporter. 
Alistair was very important to the charity during the World'sBiggest Pub Quiz earlier this year. He developed the website with us, implemented it, hosted it and made sure that it was up and running throughout the period.  He gave many days of his time to make sure that this was done to the highest professional standard.  The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz would not have been possible without his extraordinary commitment.

 

Special partnership – Sheffield Family Holiday Fund

We have enjoyed a partnership with Sheffield Family Holiday Fund for many years now.  Working with them we have been able to help hundreds of Sheffield families in need of a break.  Last year alone we helped together well over 150 families.