The UK’s largest holiday park operator, Parkdean Resorts, has struck a partnership with the Army Central Fund which will allow the British Army to offer specially selected serving personnel and their families holiday breaks across nineteen holiday parks in the UK.
Parkdean Resorts will provide free accommodation, in addition to entertainment passes and a discount on food and beverage available at restaurants and bars on park.
The breaks will be allocated by the Army, not only as recognition of the Service Person, but also their families, for the extraordinary sacrifices and support they provide whilst their spouses, partners and loved ones are deployed around the globe, and for families that may have gone or are going through difficult times and where time away may help.
The partnership forms part of Parkdean Resorts’ ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces. This year the holiday park operator has gifted 75 breaks to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity for the benefit of serving personnel in the Royal Navy, and partnered with SSAFA – the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – the Armed Forces charity, to raise money for veterans.
Parkdean is also a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and has already progressed from Bronze Award to Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, having signed up earlier this year.
Steve Richards, CEO, Parkdean Resorts, said, “Our work with the Armed Forces is a source of tremendous pride for the business and we’re delighted to be able to extend this and support the fantastic service men and women of the British Army.
'We have huge admiration for the work they do and are very conscious of the huge sacrifices they and their families make. It is a great honour to be able to give back to them and provide these families a holiday.”
Major General Paul Griffiths, Director Personnel (Army) & Chairman, Army Central Fund, (pictured right), said, ‘’I am delighted to formally accept the Parkdean Resorts offer on behalf of the Army Central Fund. This scheme will focus on providing targeted respite breaks to deserving Service Personnel and families and I know that this generous offer will make a tangible difference to many.
'Thank you, Parkdean Resorts, for extending your offer to the Army and for your continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.’’
Major General David Eastman MBE, General Officer Commanding, Regional Command, (pictured left) said, ‘’We are thrilled that Parkdean Resorts have extended their offer to the Army in recognition of the unique commitment, dedication and sacrifice that our people make every single day.
'Our single most important resource is our people and I know that they will benefit greatly from this fantastic offer. Thank you very much Parkdean Resorts UK and we look forward to our partnership with your team.’’
Also pictured (centre) is Henry Merewether, Parkdean Resorts Head of Security.