Melbourne man Adam Glezer is helping out-of-pocket Aussie travellers get refunds from cancelled COVID trips and the results are eye-watering.
When Adam Glezer’s holiday to Italy and Israel was cancelled due to COVID-19 last year, he struggled to get his money back and found himself perfectly placed to help others in a similar situation. Ultimately helping thousands of Aussies get refunds from cancelled 2020 trips, the sales manager turned consumer advocate is now helping reform consumer laws relating to the travel industry.
The Melbourne father was nominated in the Thanks A Million campaign by one of those people, Shirley Ryan, who said she got back $75,000 including $30,000 in holiday credits thanks to Mr Glezer. “Adam has worked tirelessly advising how to get refunds from holidays cancelled by the pandemic,” Ms Ryan said in her nomination. “His advice got me $75,000 back with $30,000 credits. He gives his time freely – thousands of non-travellers would be left with no money or less money refunded if it was not for this one man.”
Following his own holiday refund challenges, Mr Glezer started a Facebook group on the topic and was inundated with pleas for help. He now monitors several social media groups, including Travel Industry Issues – The Need For Change For Australians with a combined following of around 16,000 members.
“I just wanted to be able to help as many people as possible to get their money back from cancelled trips,” Mr Glezer said. “Others have received help from other members in my consumer groups. In situations like these, people feel alone and confused and I wanted to create a community where people could go for support and a sense that they’re not alone.
“This situation (of cancelled trips) has especially affected vulnerable people in the community; the elderly, those struggling financially and those with mental health issues. For some with underlying mental health issues, it was close to the tipping point.”
Mr Glezer particularly recalls the story of a lady who, after six months of negotiation, was refunded close to $30,000 and the sad story of a young woman who was close to suicide over the stress of losing around $3600.
With his team, Mr Glezer is in the process of proposing legislative change to the Federal Government.
To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.
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