Carnival delivers hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica

Carnival Cruise Line delivered more than five tons of hurricane relief supplies to Ocho Rios, Jamaica aboard Carnival Horizon on Dec. 14, as part of an ongoing response to Hurricane Melissa.

The shipment included 24 pallets of hygiene kits, medical items and essential goods, coordinated with Direct Relief, the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation.

Miami HEAT Legend Alonzo Mourning and mascot Burnie joined Carnival Horizon Captain Niccolo De Ranieri and Carnival team members to prepare, pack and load the supplies before departure.

"This partnership demonstrates the strength of coming together to help those in need," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

"Carnival is proud to work alongside Direct Relief, the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation to deliver these essential supplies to Jamaica."

The delivery is part of a larger humanitarian response led by Direct Relief. 

On Saturday, Dec. 13, a dedicated airlift departed Miami International Airport carrying 120 pallets of medical supplies to support hospitals and clinics across Jamaica. 

Combined with the shipment aboard Carnival Horizon, the effort totals 144 pallets of medical aid weighing 68 tons.

"After a disaster of this magnitude, people need to know that care will be there when they need it," said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief. 

"Because of the longstanding partnership and commitment of Carnival Corporation, the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, we're able to get essential medical support to communities across Jamaica as they continue to recover."

"The devastation of Hurricane Melissa was incredible and will be felt in Jamaica for years to come," said Eric Woolworth, president of business operations for the Miami HEAT. 

"Along with Direct Relief and Carnival, it's our hope that the supplies we send will help start the road to recovery."

In November, Carnival Corporation, the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation made a joint $1 million donation to Direct Relief, supporting long-term recovery efforts across the region.

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