Carnival Corp., Bahamas Paradise Continue Bahamas Relief

Carnival Corporation and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line have released updates on their ongoing efforts to aid the Bahamas following the passage of Hurricane Dorian

Carnival Corp. said that its relief program collected and delivered over 2,841 tons of food and supplies in over 90 shipping containers to the Bahamas during its first week. 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 Lakes Academy, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Peanut Proud, Sedano's Supermarket, Starbucks Coffee, United Way of Broward County and Xtreme Aviation, Carnival Corp. said. 

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 being donated at its Washington, D.C., embassy. Additionally, 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.

Thanks to the ongoing dedicated efforts in South Florida and throughout North America, Carnival Corporation 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 Corporation brands are conducting donation drives to support The Bahamas through Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen. To date, Carnival Cruise Line guests and employees have donated more than $350,000 to the two organizations supporting Bahamas relief efforts.

Numerous drop-off locations for relief supplies are now open throughout South Florida for the ongoing effort, and a list at the end of this announcement includes addresses, contact information, hours of operation and other relevant details for each collection point. For those outside South Florida, supplies can be shipped directly to Tropical Shipping's address in Riviera Beach.

In addition to the deliveries, Carnival Corporation 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 Corporation 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 September 16, Chef Jose Andres's World Central Kitchen has provided over 250,000 meals throughout the Bahamas. To support World Central Kitchen's efforts, donate here.

Information on the relief efforts and ways to get involved can be found at www.bahamas.com/relief.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Completes Second Relief Cruise

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, meanwhile, reports that the Grand Celebration arrived back at its homeport in Palm Beach following its second roundtrip humanitarian sailing. The cruise line teamed up with South Florida non-profits the Bahamas Relief Cruise and Mission Resolve to mobilize the ship for a second time, spending nearly two full days distributing humanitarian aid to Grand Bahama Island.

The trip delivered 400 pallets of humanitarian aid, three times the amount of the first sailing seven days prior  – including 30,000 pounds of water, 275,000 pounds of canned and dry food, 150,000 pounds of household supplies, and 50,000 pounds of construction materials – as well as more than 300 qualified volunteers.

One hundred fifty Bahamians also returned home on the ship to help with the rebuilding process. Also onboard were first responders and representative from various disaster relief response groups. Upon arrival in Freeport, the ship’s crew and volunteers prepared more than 10,000 boxed lunches, which were delivered directly to local shelters, homes and neighborhoods by volunteers.

The cruise also brought a separate cargo ship filled with 13 pallets of materials to reconstruct the island’s local children’s home, a church and animal shelter, as well as several individual homes; the group also organized a community gathering two consecutive nights at Independence Park, focused on providing a break to thousands of people from Grand Bahama Island, with freshly prepared meals, movies for kids, a DJ and other activities. 

Thirty cases of water were delivered to Pastor Robert White on the north side of the island, a direct request from Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, who learned of the neighborhood’s plight through a family that evacuated during the first humanitarian sailing. Ten pallets of water and 10 generators were delivered to RAND Memorial Hospital.

Local South Florida residents who wish to drop off supplies to help the residents of Grand Bahama Island can still deliver them to the cruise line’s Riviera Beach warehouse at 301 Broadway Ave., Bay #7, in Riviera Beach, FL 33404. Supplies will be delivered at a later date.

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