ARMED Forces charity Give Us Time is appealing to owners and managers of holiday homes, hotels and timeshares to donate accommodation to British military personnel and their families.
The charity takes one-week holidays donated by hosts and matches them with British soldiers in need of rest, rehabilitation and reconnection with their families.
In 2015, Centre Parcs donated 25 holidays to military personnel and Club La Costa arranged 40 breaks. The charity is hoping to increase its number of partners in the hospitality sector this year.
Karen Hay, chief executive of Give Us Time, said: “Remembrance Day is a timely reminder of the sacrifices military personnel have made and the impact serving in the military has had on their families. We are asking businesses in the hospitality sector to contribute to Give Us Time’s initiative. It is easy to donate spare capacity accommodation via our website.
“A simple holiday in a neutral environment, away from the responsibilities of day-to-day life, can have a transformative effect.”
Since 2001, more than 2,000 British personnel have experienced physical or psychological damage and families across the country have seen their lives profoundly changed.
Reverend Gary MW Keith CF added: “The holidays really do provide the time and space needed to spend good quality, family time together away from the high-pressure tempo of military life.
“Without them I couldn’t fulfil my role in the military and I suspect that is true for many.”
To find out more, or donate a holiday, visit www.giveustime.org.uk/welcome-timedonor/, www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime/ or follow the charity on Twitter @GiveUsTime