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Isle Of Wight Families In Poverty Given Free Holiday Thanks To The Getaway Foundation

Ten Island families living in poverty will be given a much needed holiday, thanks to The Getaway Foundation.

The Foundation, which works with partners including the Isle of Wight Council to provide breaks for deserving families, approached Wightlink for assistance with free travel later in the year - which it has agreed to.

The Getaway Foundation, working with Parkdean Resort, has booked its first family holidays for those who are impacted by poverty.

A spokesperson for the charity says it is looking forward to creating happy family holiday memories in summer 2021.

Peter Tebbutt, Foundation Chief Executive said:

“When we approached Wightlink we were only hoping for discounted travel but, by underwriting the full cost, it means we will have additional budget to expand our work providing holidays for families who really deserve a break

“Already this year we have worked with Wightlink and the council to provide five breaks for families with a young carer and we are delighted to be offering more holidays for families who are referred to us by the local authority as being in poverty.” 

“We hope to increase our partnerships with more organisations on the Island in the future to further expand the holidays we can provide.” 

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield added:

 “It has been a tough year all round but especially so if you are also battling poverty. We are delighted to be helping The Getaway Foundation make happy memories for ten further local families - we hope those memories start when they get on board the ferry.” 

Founded in January 2020 to benefit families in poverty and create positive memories through holidays, the Foundation has also so far helped over 600 families impacted by COVID-19. 

Kathy Marriott, Head of Strategy and Operations in the Isle of Wight Council’s children’s services department, concluded:

“The generous support from the Getaway Foundation and Wightlink will enable families who have had such a challenging year to have some much-needed quality time together. Our staff within children’s services have worked with families in need to enable them to take up this fantastic opportunity.”

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