Cruise Planners' donations go to hurricane-relief streetlamps in BahamasCruise Planners' donations go to hurricane-relief streetlamps in Bahamas

This humanitarian project took close to three years to complete and resulted in 150 lights installed in communities to ensure safety.

Important cruise destination

'The Bahamas are such an important destination in the cruising world and knowing we helped make a difference to enhance lives of the islanders warms our heart,' said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. 'Our home office team and network of agents are always ready and willing to help, and we are grateful to be of service to our community through our CP Cares program.'

In 2019, CP Cares, the philanthropic arm of Cruise Planners, collected donations of nonperishable items for Food For the Poor, resulting in 2,201 pounds in donations for Bahamas hurricane relief. In addition, a donation page was created for agents to donate funds.

$15,000 raised for lighting

Cruise Planners presented Food For the Poor Director of Church Partnerships Kevin Mayne with $15,000 to be used for a solar lighting project in collaboration with the Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority. Today, the project officially has been completed.

The donation helped Food for the Poor place more than 150 streetlights in Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Welcomed by residents

'Prior to the installation, the cay had no lighting after the passing of Hurricane Dorian,' Water Cay resident Wallace D. Saunders said. 'The lights have allowed the residents who frequent the cay to have a sense of security as they can now move around freely and no longer need the use of a flashlight to guide them.'

Rachel Rolle, a nurse living on the island, added: 'The lights are working well in the community, and they are needed especially during power outages, which we have quite frequently.'

Cruise Planners said giving back is part of its culture. The organization has raised more than $2m to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and will be raising funds for the Fisher House to help veterans and their families in November at the annual Cruise Planners convention.