The Miami HEAT, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Carnival Corporation & plc have announced a joint $1 million donation to Direct Relief to aid recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Direct Relief, a global humanitarian aid organization, provides medical assistance and emergency support to communities affected by poverty or natural disasters. With this latest contribution, the three organizations have donated a combined total of nearly $17.2 million to Direct Relief since 2013, supporting crisis responses around the world—from hurricanes across the Caribbean and the U.S. to global emergencies like the conflict in Ukraine.
A Lifeline For Communities In Crisis
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “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.”
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, emphasized the company’s close ties with Jamaica. “Our connection to Jamaica runs deep, and we need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”
Immediate Medical Support For Jamaica
At Jamaica’s request, Direct Relief has mobilized 100 field medic packs containing triage and first-aid supplies for front-line responders. The organization has also provided Jamaica’s Ministry of Health with a full medical inventory list and stands ready to deploy additional medicines and equipment as needed.
Among the items being prepared for delivery are antibiotics, protective gear, field medic backpacks, medications for chronic diseases, and other essential supplies to support health workers on the ground.
Building Resilience For The Future
“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 our mission and accelerates urgently needed medical assistance for communities in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall. It will deliver immediate relief today while helping strengthen health systems for the future.”
To contribute to the relief effort, donations can be made through DirectRelief.org/SupportJamaica.
