FCCA Brightens the Holidays for
Children of the Caribbean
January 7, 2003

Close to 4,500 children in 18 destinations were treated to a very special day filled with warmth and generosity thanks to the Member Lines of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. The Holiday Gift Project, made possible through the FCCA Foundation for the Caribbean, is in its seventh year of gift giving to under-privileged children that normally would not have received gifts during the holiday season.

Children of all ages were gathered eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus and his elves, while enthusiastic crew members, garnished in their costumes, boarded waiting transportation and were whisked off to meet the children. At times it was hard to tell who was having more fun, the crew members or the children! All this was made possible due to the strong partnership between the FCCA Member Lines and the destination partners who work together to achieve one goal…to put smiles on the faces of the children.

Dean M. Evans of the Cayman Islands expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of the Minister for Tourism and Leader of Government Business, The Honorable W. McKeeva Bush and the West Bay United Democratic Party, we wish to thank the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association for helping us provide such a memorable event for the children in our community. Giving gifts to children out of love is immeasurable. Thank you for your continued support in our community and trust that our relationship will continue to be fruitful in the years to come.”

A heart felt comment from Zunaid Bux, Crew Activities Manager on Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas reads: “This was a fantastic event that reduced a few of our crew to tears, unbelievable love and warmth. It is great to give something back to the communities in our ports of call. There is no greater reward than the warmth you get from loving or the joy you get from sharing.”

Denia George of the Ministry of Tourism in St. Lucia delivered a special message: “The Ministry of Tourism would like to thank the FCCA for their kind donations. The children who participated in the event were thrilled. One child called the Ministry to express her gratitude for the gift she received, this was the only gift she received for Christmas.”

Carole Blake-Hodge of the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism shared her gratitude: “Thank you once again, on behalf of the recipients of the Department of Tourism, for the opportunity to bring Christmas to those children who would not otherwise receive a gift. The children were ecstatic and the parents were thankful for the difference you made in the children’s lives.”

Carnival’s Destiny, Youth Director, Donna Bateman shares her memories of her day in Aruba: “As we arrived, they opened their doors and their hearts to us, they were so kind and helpful. Today was such a wonderful day. It warms my heart to see how much such a small gesture from us makes so many little faces glow with happiness.”

A thank you message from Sharon Williams of the Jamaica Tourist Board reads: “On behalf of the Jamaica Tourist Board, I must say how appreciative we are to the FCCA Foundation and its Member Lines to be included in this annual gift program. This program is just one way of showing the partnership we share as industry players and also helps strengthen the bond.”

Our sincere thanks to the following FCCA Member Lines for helping make this project a success:

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