Hays Travel Foundation has reached its £2m donation milestone, ten years after being established to help young people reach their potential.
Since 2015, the Hays Travel Foundation has worked with 353 registered charities to create opportunities for over 43,000 talented young people from socially and economically
disadvantaged circumstances, who need a little help to overcome barriers in order to develop and reach their full potential in their health, sport, the arts and education.
Hays Travel Foundation Chair of Trustees, Dame Irene Hays, said: “Reaching this £2million milestone is a spectacular achievement. Our mission is to remove barriers and help young people to reach their potential across health, sport, the arts, and education. I am incredibly proud to have been able to support so many
young people in the ten years since establishing the Hays Travel Foundation.”
The majority of monies donated through the Foundation come directly from Hays Travel, which is the UK’s largest independent travel agent, with almost 500 branches across the UK.
In addition to the Hays Travel Foundation, every Hays Travel branch receives a £500 budget annually to use for fundraising and charity work in their local area, of which £200 is to be allocated to causes that support young people’s mental health. Branches can also apply to the Foundation for match funding, doubling the donation to registered charities. In the last year to April 2025, Hays Travel donated £177,837 to local charities through
its Local Community Partnership initiative across its retail network.
Hays Travel Foundation reached its £1m donation milestone in 2022.
Thanks to funding from the Hays Travel Foundation, 169 young people have been supported to start their Duke of Edinburgh Award, with a goal of reaching 190 young people by the end of May 2025.
The funding, which supported expedition costs including equipment and clothing, as well as travel costs for volunteering and the tools to develop new skills, has made a significant impact on the lives of marginalised young people. One young person shared, “This is one of the best experiences I’ve had. Even though it was tough, I really enjoyed it.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to support every young person to feel empowered, develop new skills, and build confidence and resilience to prepare for the future. It offers life-changing experiences, meaningful connections, and a chance to give back through fun and varied activities.
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