New Parkdean Resorts partnership with RAF offers free holidays to Fund beneficiaries

The RAF Benevolent Fund is honoured to have secured an extended partnership with Parkdean Resorts, offering free holidays to members of the RAF Family starting this year.

The holiday park operator's decision to include the RAF Benevolent Fund in its partnership means that, in addition to beneficiaries of the Army Central Fund, Royal Navy and the Royal Marines Charity, RAF personnel will have a handful of exciting and relaxing breaks to choose from in a variety of locations.

The holidays will be allocated by the Royal Air Force to selected service people and their families, honouring the extraordinary sacrifices and support they provide whilst loved ones are deployed around the world. Families will receive free accommodation, as well as entertainment passes, discounted food and beverages at restaurants and bars on park and welcome packs on arrival. Parkdean Resorts recognises the sacrifices the Armed Forces community makes, and the initiative has been designed so families can enjoy rest and respite, as well as quality time together.

Steve Richards, CEO, Parkdean Resorts, said: “We know the Armed Forces and their families make huge sacrifices and often face very challenging circumstances, so it’s important for us as a business to give back and support them in any way we can. We’re delighted to have extended our initiative to include the RAF and gift free holidays to even more service people and their families across the country, and we’re honoured to provide them with some well-deserved down time with us at Parkdean Resorts.

He continued: “We’ve heard from beneficiaries who have been through very difficult times and have experienced loss and critical illness, who were able to enjoy respite and valuable quality time with their families on our parks. To be able to provide this experience for our Armed Forces is a huge source of pride for the business.”

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “At the RAF Benevolent Fund, we understand that service life can be demanding. Relocation and deployment take a toll on day-to-day family life, and I am delighted that Parkdean Resorts have reached out to gift the RAF Benevolent Fund 45 breaks for serving RAF personnel and families to use, enjoy and recuperate from the challenges of service life. Our collaboration with Parkdean means that the Fund will be able to offer free holidays year-round at several of Parkdean’s stunning UK wide locations. The gift of these free breaks is fantastic, and I know that they will benefit and sustain those who use the breaks. We are delighted to have been given this generous offer and would like to thank Parkdean for the difference this is going to make to people's lives."