Holland America Line passengers participated in a fundraising campaign around six different continents today, culminating in a generous donation to Ukrainian relief. A check for $450,000 raised by Holland America Line's on Deck for a Cause campaign was presented to the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief at the Port of San Diego.
"Our guests and team members, who love to explore the world, wanted to do something to make a meaningful difference for families in a part of the world that desperately needs humanitarian aid," said Gus Antorcha, president, of Holland America Line. "We knew our guests were generous, but their support has well exceeded our expectations, with donations totaling $450,000."
Direct Relief is a California-based charity that works in all U.S. states and territories and more than 90 countries around the world to expand access to medicine and healthcare by equipping doctors and nurses with lifesaving medical resources. It has already provided more than 1,000 tons of medical material aid requested by the Ukrainian Health Ministry.
"We're grateful to Holland America Line and its guests for this tremendous fundraising effort in which people took time during their vacations to make a difference," said Thomas Tighe, president, and chief executive officer, of Direct Relief. "Their support will further help us in providing lifesaving medications to Ukraine, ranging from cancer therapies to treatments for chronic health conditions."
The check presentation took place at the Port of San Diego. San Diego is Koningsdam's homeport in the winter, with more than 62,000 guests embarking on several Holland America Line ships at the port during the 2022/23 season.
"We're proud that so many guests who choose the Port of San Diego were part of this fundraising effort," said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego. "Californians alone account for close to 15% of Holland America Line's guest population, and the money raised is providing timely relief for the crisis in Ukraine."
The fundraising effort began in March and coincided with a pledge of $3 million to charities helping Ukrainian refugees from the family foundation of parent company Carnival Corporation's chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine. From April through September 2022, the Dutch government and City of Rotterdam chartered the Holland America Line ship Volendam as part of their larger effort to accommodate 50,000 Ukrainians who fled the war in their homeland.
