Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s leading holiday park operator, celebrated Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24th June. The day celebrates the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Championing the Armed Forces, Parkdean Resorts is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise made by employers to those who serve or who have served, and their families, to do all they can to ensure they are treated fairly. The company has already achieved a Silver Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Awards Scheme, and is hoping for Gold Award status in 2023.

Only A Pavement Away partnership launch

Earlier this year, Parkdean Resorts announced a new partnership with Only A Pavement Away, the charity which finds employment opportunities in the hospitality sector for prison leavers, veterans, and those facing homelessness. Parkdean Resorts will provide job opportunities for veterans across its 66 parks, to help them get back on their feet by providing employment, as well as funding qualifications and development opportunities, including chef apprenticeships.

Jane Bates, Director of Procurement and Sustainability at Parkdean Resorts, said: “To be able to support our Armed Forces is a huge source of pride for the business, and we welcome the unique skills and experience of the Armed Forces community. Only A Pavement Away do fantastic work to support veterans, so we’re looking forward to working together to provide some fantastic career opportunities to hardworking ex-service people.”

Gifting free holidays to military families

It's also important to celebrate the families and friends of Serving military personnel and Veterans. Through partnerships with the Army Central Fund, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Parkdean Resorts gifts free holidays to hundreds of military personnel and their families each year. Honouring the extraordinary sacrifices and support families provide whilst their loved ones are deployed around the globe, the award-winning holiday park operator is donating 188 free holidays at 21 parks this year, awarded not only as recognition of the Service Person, but often for respite and recuperation for personnel who may have been through difficult circumstances and where time away may help. 

Families will receive free accommodation, as well as entertainment passes, discounted food and beverage at restaurants and bars on park, and welcome packs upon 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 gift free holidays to 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.

“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.”

You can read more on how we care for our Parks, People, and Planet by visiting our responsibility pages.