Carnival, Arison Foundation pledge $1.25m for Australian bushfires relief

The pledge includes $1m from the family foundation of Carnival Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine, in addition to the earlier reported US$250,000 (A$350,000) from Carnival Foundation and P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.

All five brands have ships based year-round in Australia or homeport seasonally in the country.

Immediate and long-term efforts

Similar to donations following recent hurricanes and typhoons, support is being directed to both immediate and long-term relief efforts. Based on input from local officials and community leaders, the $1m donation will be provided to support the most timely and urgent relief needs throughout the country. As previously announced, the $250,000 donation has been committed to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

‘Our cruise lines carried hundreds of thousands of Aussies and international guests on voyages this summer, and this gesture is a sign of our solidarity with the local community,’ said Sture Myrmell, president of Carnival Australia.

Shock and concern

Added Myrmell: ‘Communities affected by the bushfire crisis are in immediate need, and we are pleased to be able to contribute in a way that ensures help can be delivered where it is needed most and as quickly as possible. This contribution is being made on behalf of all of our guests who are no doubt equally shocked and concerned at what has happened to their fellow Australians.’

The company's commitment follows the combined A$50,000 donation from P&O Cruises Australia and its guests to the St Vincent de Paul Society in late 2019 to support residents of New South Wales and Queensland impacted by the bushfires.