Pata UK & Ireland raises more than £33k for children’s charity

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) UK & Ireland has raised more than £33,000 for children’s charity Dreams Come True.

A total of £33,700 was raised at Pata’s annual Christmas lunch held in association with TravelUni at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London and attended by special guest Sir Mike Gooley, founder of Trailfinders, who gave a sizeable donation at the fundraiser.

Pata UK & Ireland chairman Chris Crampton thanked Gooley for his “exceptionally generous contribution” at the annual lunch. The money was raised via a raffle, auction and donations made on the day.

Speaking at the event, he said: “We marked the end of another fantastic year, achieving an outstanding total of £33,700. I am deeply thankful for the extraordinary kindness and giving spirit in the room, which enabled us to reach this incredible sum.”

Gooley said: “Well done to all at Pata for another successful event and for raising money for Dreams Come True. The Mike Gooley Trailfinders Charity is thrilled to support such a worthwhile cause.

“This time of year is about joy and hope and every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of Christmas, so I am pleased to play a part in supporting this charity’s superb work in making children’s dreams come true.”

Dreams Come True is a national charity which supports children living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country living with a disability, a serious illness, or a life-limiting condition.

Lisa King, OBE, chief executive of Dreams Come True, thanked Pata for its support, adding: “As a small charity with an ever-increasing number of children with very high needs living in poverty turning to it for support we are enormously grateful for both the funds raised and for the opportunity to raise our profile and make so many new friends to the charity.”

Pata is set to announce its 2025 line up of events in the new year, which will include its flagship Pata Exchange in February and regular training sessions for the trade, such as Virtual Vacations.

Main picture caption: Chris Crampton, Pata UK & Ireland; Sir Mike Gooley, Trailfinders; and Lisa King, Dreams Come True