Following the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Norwegian Cruise LIne Holdings (NCLH) has pledged to contribute a total of $80,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in recovery efforts of the communities most affected by the storms. NCLH previously donated $30,000 following Hurricane Helene and will now match up to $50,000 more in public donations.
Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024 on Florida’s Gulf Coast leaving death and destruction across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm just two weeks later. Millions of residents across Florida experienced strong winds, heavy rains, flooding and power outages.
NCLH President and CEO Harry Sommer said, “For decades, Florida has been home to NCLH, and we feel deeply connected to this community. Seeing the devastation in our own backyard and neighboring states has been heartbreaking. ‘Strengthening Our Communities’ is a key pillar of our global Sail & Sustain program, and we are committed to helping those in need. Our donation to the American Red Cross is focused on providing direct relief, helping families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability and hope as they recover.”
The Red Cross and its partners have been supporting communities affected by the hurricanes. Following Hurricane Helene, disaster workers set up shelters, distributed food and provided essential supplies. Before Hurricane Milton, the organization provided refuge for 83,000 people to weather the storm.
“With Hurricane Milton following closely in Hurricane Helene’s wake, the American Red Cross is on the ground helping families recover from these vicious storms,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We’re thankful to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for standing with us to provide help and hope as communities begin to navigate the long road to recovery.”
Donations to the American Red Cross can be made here and NCLH will match those contributions up to $50,000.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line’s Christine Duffy is doing a tandem skydive on October 19, 2024, to raise money for hurricane relief. Due to the outpouring of support, her initial goal of $50,000 was raised to $75,000 and will also be matched by Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine through their charitable foundation. If you would like to donate to hurricane relief through the Gary Sinise Foundation, you can donate here.