In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison is taking large steps to help those affected. The Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund and Carnival Corporation & plc are all teaming up to pledge as much as $10 million to aid those affected by the natural disaster, with the money directed to all areas of Florida as well as the Caribbean.
The money will consist of both funding and in-kind philanthropy. The Carnival Foundation and the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund have each pledged to work together to raise $5 million of the total amount, with the Arison Foundation offering to match that amount.
In order to provide immediate help, a total of $2.5 million will be donated by the Arison Family Foundation in order to quickly provide badly needed funds for Direct Relief, UNICEF and the United Way of Miami-Dade County.
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“We are committed to supporting relief efforts where Hurricane Irma left an impact in Florida and the Caribbean, starting with immediate humanitarian needs and recovery efforts that will have a meaningful impact,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “Hurricane Irma’s impact strikes close to home both in our home state of Florida and across the Caribbean, where we and our brands have made many friends and partners over many years. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of those who have been impacted. It is inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations already pitching in to support the relief work, and we will continue to look for ways to provide support. Our friends and partners from across Florida and the Caribbean have always displayed remarkable resilience, strength and spirit when facing difficult circumstances. They have come back strong in the past, and we will be standing with them as they work to come back strong once again.”
The Carnival Cruise Line will be using 11 ships among its fleet to deliver supplies to affected areas in both Florida and the Carribean. Besides the necessities of food and water, things like generators, clothing, medical supplies will also be provided.
Heat president Pat Riley spoke on behalf of the franchise:
“Hurricane Irma has devastated many families and cities that mean so much to us,” Riley said. “As a long-time resident of South Florida, I have witnessed the resiliency of our communities; watching neighbors come together to overcome adversity. The South Florida community has supported our organization throughout the years, so it is only fitting that we are there to support and help uplift this community in its time of need.”
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