HOLLAND America Line (HAL) guests have donated $450,000 for aid to Ukranians, as part of the ‘On Deck for a Cause’ fundraiser. Humanitarian aid organisation Direct Relief was presented with a cheque by HAL recently at the Port of San Diego, following the 10-month fundraising. On Deck for a Cause...
HOLLAND America Line (HAL) guests have donated $450,000 for aid to Ukranians, as part of the ‘On Deck for a Cause’ fundraiser.
Humanitarian aid organisation Direct Relief was presented with a cheque by HAL recently at the Port of San Diego, following the 10-month fundraising.
On Deck for a Cause saw every HAL ship hold a five-kilometre walk during every cruise (pictured), with guests donating $25 to participate.
Walks took place in destinations such as Australia, Alaska, Europe, and even the Panama Canal.
The fundraising effort began in Mar, and coincided with a pledge of USD$3 million to charities helping Ukrainian refugees from the family foundation of the Chair of parent company Carnival Corporation, Micky Arison.
“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,” HAL President Gus Antorcha said.
“We knew our guests were generous, but their support has well exceeded our expectations, with donations totalling $450,000.”
Direct Relief President & Chief Executive Officer Thomas Tighe said the organisation is grateful to HAL and its guests for their “tremendous” fundraising effort.
“Their support will further help us in providing lifesaving medications to Ukraine, ranging from cancer therapies to treatments for chronic health conditions.”
From Apr through Sep, the Dutch government and City of Rotterdam also chartered the HAL ship Volendam as part of their larger effort to accommodate 50,000 Ukrainians who fled the war in their homeland (CW 27 Sep 2022).
