2001 Holiday Gift Project A Success

For the past five years, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association has taken pride in bringing joy to so many children during the holiday season.  This year the FCCA Foundation for the Caribbean’s Holiday Gift Project provided well over 4,000 gifts and toys to children of all ages in 20 Caribbean destinations. 

Each of the destinations planned a fun-filled day for the ships' crews (who delivered the gifts) and the children, with plenty of holiday atmosphere, refreshments and, of course, music. The crewmembers from the FCCA Member Lines brought Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse to help distribute the gifts and join in on the fun. 

The crewmembers volunteer their time each year for this special event.  "This is something you never get tired to doing", stated one crewmember. "We look forward to seeing the happiness and jubilation in the children’s faces when we arrive in their destination with Santa and boxes filled with toys!"

The FCCA Foundation for the Caribbean and our destination partners are already putting their heads together to make next year's Holiday Gift Project something to remember and to impact an even greater number of children.

A thank you note from Ms. Jennifer Wyatt of the Ministry of Tourism, St. Lucia reads: "On the morning of Thursday, December 7, 2000, approximately 185 children waited anxiously for the arrival of Santa Claus.  Santa and the crew of Holland America Line's Zaandam were eager to interact with the children as they danced and partied to Calypso music.  The Ministry of Tourism would like to thank the FCCA for making this event possible and for choosing St. Lucia for this venture."

Ms. Renamae Symonette of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board notes: "The program enhances the joy of Christmas for the children while affording the crew members of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder the opportunity to play a hands-on role with the destinations they visit each week."

Ms. Madonna Harford., Permanent Secretary, St. George's Grenada states: "I am pleased to report that the Holiday Gift Project was a major success! Crewmembers of Princess Cruises' Ocean Princess, with the assistance of Santa Claus, presented each child with a gift.  The Ministry of Tourism and the participating schools wish to express appreciation for the FCCA's generous donation of toys and look forward to your continued support."

Mr. William McLawrence of the National Development Corp. in Dominca adds: "The activity that was aimed to bring holiday cheer to some of Dominica’s needy children was a success. The program was held in an informal setting where the children were able to interact with the crew of the Fascination.  On behalf of the National Development Corp., I wish to express thanks and best wishes to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and the crew of Carnival Cruise Line's Fascination for making so many children happy this holiday and look forward to the FCCA 2001 Holiday Gift Project."

Carol Blake-Hodge of the St. Croix Department, "On behalf of the Department of Tourism and Institutions, we would like to thank the FCCA together with participating crew of the Carnival Victory, for touching the hearts and minds of our children on the Island of St. Croix through your Holiday Gift Project.  The children were very excited and once again you have left a sparkle in their hearts that someone cares to send them the very best.

Our sincere thanks to the following member lines for helping make this project a success:

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