The ITAA Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance to travel agents and former travel agents who face hardship. Applications receive consideration in complete confidentiality with no questions asked about circumstances. The fund relies on current members to spread awareness, especially to staff who have left the industry and may no longer receive direct communications.
Clare Doherty told the annual conference of the Irish Travel Agents Association in Alcobaca in Portugal that the fund trustees process every request as a committee. Several trustees attended the conference and invited members to approach them directly with queries or claims.
The fund maintains a website and Facebook page for information and updates. Members renew ITAA membership each year with an option to add a voluntary donation, and the trustees expressed gratitude for all contributions received through this channel.
A separate group of volunteers serves on the ITAA board without payment or expenses. Conference delegates acknowledged the work of board members present, including President Tom, Vice President Paul, Past President Angela, and others who contribute time throughout the year on behalf of the membership.
Key takeaways include the availability of confidential financial help for travel agents in need, the importance of member donations during renewal, and recognition of the voluntary efforts of both Benevolent Fund trustees and ITAA board members.
The conference was told: “We aren’t here to help any travel agents or ITAA members past or present, who might find themselves in financial need… Everything is done in the strictest of confidentiality. We really do rely on you guys to just communicate that to your staff. There’s always that opportunity to make a donation towards the fund… we really, really do appreciate everybody that does that.”
