'On Deck for a Cause' walks around the world
raise money at sea for Direct Relief
SEATTLE, Jan. 31,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A fundraising effort by cruise
line passengers that took place on the high seas around six
different continents culminated today with a large donation for
Ukrainian relief. Holland America
Line presented a check for $450,000 at the Port of San Diego to the global humanitarian aid
organization Direct Relief, money raised during the premium cruise
line's On Deck for a Cause campaign.
Holland America
Line present check for $450,000 for Ukrainian relief to global aid
organization Direct Relief.
For 10 months on every cruise in the line's 11-ship fleet,
guests could make a $25 donation to
participate in a fundraising 5K walk
during their sailing, in locales ranging from Alaska to Europe and the Panama Canal to Australia.
"Our guests and team members, who love to explore the world,
wanted to do something to make a meaningful difference for families
in a part of the world that desperately needs humanitarian aid,"
said Gus Antorcha, president,
Holland America Line. "We knew our guests were
generous, but their support has well exceeded our expectations,
with donations totaling $450,000."
Direct Relief is a California-based charity that works in all
U.S. states and territories and more than 90 countries around the
world to expand access to medicine and healthcare by equipping
doctors and nurses with lifesaving medical resources. It has
already provided more than 1,000 tons of medical material aid
requested by the Ukrainian Health Ministry.
"We're grateful to Holland America Line and its guests for this
tremendous fundraising effort in which people took time during
their vacations to make a difference," said Thomas Tighe, president and chief executive
officer, Direct Relief. "Their support will further help us in
providing lifesaving medications to Ukraine, ranging from cancer therapies to
treatments for chronic health conditions."
The check presentation took place at the Port of San Diego. San
Diego is Koningsdam's homeport in the winter, with more than
62,000 guests embarking several Holland America Line ships at the
port during the 2022/23 season.
"We're proud that so many guests who choose the Port of
San Diego were part of this
fundraising effort," said Chairman Rafael
Castellanos, Port of San
Diego. "Californians alone account for close to 15% of
Holland America Line's guest population, and the money raised is
providing timely relief for the crisis in Ukraine."
The fundraising effort began in March and coincided with a
pledge of $3 million to charities
helping Ukrainian refugees from the family foundation of parent
company Carnival Corporation's chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine. From April
through September 2022, the Dutch
government and City of Rotterdam
chartered the Holland America Line ship Volendam as part of
their larger effort to accommodate 50,000 Ukrainians who fled the
war in their homeland.
Editors Note: Photos are available at
https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/aarjxqcw.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access
all social media outlets via the home page
at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line
Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and
plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL and NYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for
150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service
and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal
mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114
countries around the world and has shared the thrill of
Alaska for 75 years — longer than
any other cruise line. Holland America
Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching
activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and
personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening
at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from
a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
About Direct Relief
A humanitarian aid organization
committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by
poverty and emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical
resources throughout the U.S. and world to communities in
need—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. For
more information, visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.
About the Port of San
Diego
The Port of San
Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district,
balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning
five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse
portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services
and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public
Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the
relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic
waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and
restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to
countless events, the Port contributes to the region's prosperity
and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
CONTACT:
|
Bill Zucker, Erik
Elvejord
|
PHONE:
|
800-637-5029,
206-626-9890
|
EMAIL:
|
pr@hollandamerica.com
|
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SOURCE Holland America Line