Charity minibus leads Parkdean Resorts' 2024 investments in Croyde

Parkdean Resorts, the owner of Ruda Holiday Park in Croyde, has announced its commitment to fund £30,000 worth of community projects in 2024. 

The initiative kicks off with the provision of a £13,000 minibus for Plastic Free North Devon (PFND), a local environmental charity.

The minibus funding aims to support PFND's mission to engage the community in environmental action. 

By granting over 2,500 people access to free community events throughout the year, the initiative seeks to accelerate environmental awareness and involvement across North Devon.

Plastic Free North Devon is renowned for its community-led initiatives, including repair cafes, beach cleans, and educational programs like the Ocean Explorer Academy. 

The minibus provision will significantly enhance the charity's capacity to deliver these programs, particularly benefiting the Ocean Explorer Academy's education sessions.

Claire Ward, Assistant General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park said: "We’re delighted to be supporting Plastic Free North Devon by funding their minibus. The charity has always been passionate supporters of our environmental campaigns at Ruda, so it’s fantastic to be giving back to their team while helping the North Devon community."

The minibus funding will not only reduce the cost of educational trips for local schools but also increase accessibility for low-income and disadvantaged families, as highlighted by Claire Moodie, Chief Executive at Plastic Free North Devon. 

She said: "Parkdean Resorts has enabled us to upscale our outreach and engagement, and we are very excited about the increased opportunities this will provide for our community."

In addition to the minibus funding, Parkdean Resorts is contributing towards beach wheelchair storage on Croyde Beach and improving pedestrian access on Moor Lane. These investments align with the company's commitment to making a positive, sustainable impact on the community and the environment.

Last year, Parkdean Resorts collaborated with Croyde Area Residents Association (CARA) to fund various local projects, showcasing a longstanding dedication to community development. 

The impact of such initiatives extends beyond infrastructure improvements, as evidenced by the upcoming grand opening of the Croyde Surf Life Saving Club's clubhouse, made possible through grant funding.

Ruda Holiday Park, nestled within North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, serves as a hub for environmental conservation efforts, attracting over 90,000 holidaymakers annually. 

With a focus on responsible park management, the team at Ruda aims to preserve the natural beauty of Croyde Beach and its surroundings for both locals and visitors alike.

Parkdean Resorts' recent investment in the minibus has achieved another significant milestone in their dedication to fulfilling their 25 commitments by 2025. 

These commitments encompass various environmental, social, and governance objectives.