Carnival and Miami Heat Donate $1 Million for Jamaica Relief

Carnival Corporation, together with the Miami Heat and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, has donated $1 million to Direct Relief to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement, Carnival said that Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization dedicated to improving health and quality of life for those affected by poverty or emergencies.

With this latest contribution to assist Jamaica, the three organizations have now donated nearly $17.2 million to Direct Relief since 2013. Their previous support has helped responses to crises in Ukraine, as well as disasters such as Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Ian, Dorian, Michael, Florence, Irma, and Harvey, tornadoes in Kentucky, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” said Eric Woolworth, president of business operations for The Heat. “In Florida, we are all too familiar with the widespread devastation caused by a Category 5 storm. Direct Relief provides life-saving and ongoing assistance, which is so critical as residents begin the long road to rebuilding their communities.”

Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein added: “We’re sending thoughts of comfort and strength to our friends in Jamaica, whose warmth and hospitality have created unforgettable experiences for so many of our guests and crew. Our connection to Jamaica runs deep, and we need to support its communities now more than ever.”

In response to Jamaica’s request, Direct Relief has readied 100 field medic packs containing triage and first-aid supplies for emergency responders. The organization has also shared its full medical inventory with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and stands prepared to provide additional medicines and equipment as new needs arise.

“Direct Relief is deeply grateful for the generosity of the Miami Heat, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation,” said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief. “This support builds on the Arison family’s longstanding commitment to Direct Relief’s mission and accelerates urgently needed medical assistance for communities in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall.”

She added, “It will put medicines, supplies and clinical support into the hands of local health workers right away, delivering immediate relief today and strengthening the capacity of health systems to recover and withstand future storms.”