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Carnival Corp. relief effort ships 2,841 tons of Bahamas supplies

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Carnival Corp. & plc’s program to provide humanitarian aid to the Bahamas collected and delivered more than 2,841 tons of food and supplies during its first week.

The donated items filled more than 90 shipping containers. These came from individuals and organizations throughout South Florida and North America.

'Inspiring response'

‘The outpouring of support for our friends in the Bahamas has been so touching, and so many people and organizations have stepped up asking how they can get involved,’ said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corp. He thanked everyone for the ‘inspiring response’ to help ‘our friends and neighbors in the Bahamas.’

The aid deliveries were made by Tropical Shipping directly to The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency in Freeport for distribution to the thousands of Bahamians lacking food, water and life's most essential needs.

‘With the program continuing, we encourage everyone to please stay involved in this humanitarian mission,’ Frizzell added. Information about donation collection sites is here.

Major donors

While food and supplies have been provided by many anonymous donors, some of the most significant donations have been made by Broward County Public Schools, Cheney Brothers, the City of Dania Beach, City of Pembroke Pines, Florida International University, JM Honda of Miami, Mater LakesAcademy, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Peanut Proud, Sedano's Supermarket, Starbucks Coffee, United Way of Broward County and Xtreme Aviation.

In addition, collection efforts are being coordinated with the City of Miramar Fire Rescue, and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Bahamas, providing shipping for supplies donated at its Washington, DC., embassy. As well, Social Global Leaders, in partnership with United Way of Miami-Dade, is donating up to 200 ‘eco-filters’ — reusable and sustainable water purification systems that convert saltwater to water that is safe to drink.

Plus, cruise ship deliveries and passenger/crew donations

Thanks to the ongoing efforts in South Florida and throughout North America, Carnival Corp. and Tropical Shipping were able to support the direct shipment of medical supplies, water, food, cots, tents, wheelbarrows, shovels, chainsaws, generators, appliances, clothing and other essentials. The effort included two Carnival Cruise Line ships, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Pride, delivering donated items to Freeport.

In addition, Carnival Corp. brands are conducting donation drives to support the Bahamas through Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen. To date, Carnival Cruise Line passengers and employees have donated more than $350,000 to the two organizations.

World Central Kitchen meals

In addition to the deliveries, Carnival Corp. is working with charities positioned throughout the Bahamas. This includes supporting Rand Hospital, the main hospital on Grand Bahama, by providing medical equipment and supplies in partnership with Direct Relief. Carnival Corp. and its philanthropic arm, Carnival Foundation, are among those providing support to World Central Kitchen, which is serving more than 25,000 meals per day to people in Abaco and Grand Bahama.

As of Sept. 16, chef José Andres's World Central Kitchen had provided over 250,000 meals throughout the Bahamas.

Further information on Hurricane Dorian relief efforts is here.

Bahamas cruise calls

Also important to supporting the recovery, cruise ships are returning to the Bahamas, providing badly needed economic input to a country where tourism is a major industry.