Wightlink supports Isle of Wight families in need to enjoy a break
8th April 2021
Wightlink has teamed up with the charity The Getaway Foundation to help provide a much-needed holiday for ten Island families who are living in poverty.
The Foundation, which works with partners including the Isle of Wight Council to provide breaks for deserving families, approached Wightlink for assistance with travel in 2021 and was delighted to learn the ferry company was happy to provide free crossings for ten families.
“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,” says Peter Tebbutt, Foundation Chief Executive.
“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.”
Peter adds: “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 says, “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, says: “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.”