This festive sea-son, together with more than 4,500 of their passengers, Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has contributed $10,070 to the Australian Red Cross to support Bushfire Relief, and donated gifts to the Salvation Army for those less fortunate.
Dean Brazier, Managing Director of Cruise & Maritime Voyages Australia, commented on the collective efforts and the generosity of guests on board.
“Visiting so many regional areas in Australia, we are committed to supporting the destinations we visit and giving back to the communities that make our voyages so memorable,” he said.
“It’s heartening to see that our guests are so aligned in giving back too – their kindness has overwhelmed us.”
To bring a bit of festive cheer to those in need, and to those cruising with CMV during the festive season, a Christmas tree was set up in the Port Adelaide Cruise Terminal. Guests and team members from CMV Australia were invited to bring along a gift for someone in need in support of the Salvation Army’s work. Flinders Ports and South Australian Tourism Commission ‘Meet & Greet’ volunteers also donated presents.
When the Salvation Army arrived on Saturday 21 December to collect the donations, around 300 gifts were waiting under the tree to share.
Mark Foyle, The Salvation Army PR Secretary SA/NT, said, “We were very grateful to CMV and to their guests for donating gifts, which will make life a little bit brighter for those in their community facing hardship this Christmas. Bringing hope where it’s needed most.”
In addition to the Salvation Army initiative, guests sailing on the voyage from Auckland to Adelaide in early December took part in the fundraising appeal for the Australian Red Cross, helping to provide aid to bushfire-affected areas across Australia.
“In the instance of the Australian Red Cross appeal, we were absolutely blown away by the benevolence of our guests, who helped make a difference to those battling to protect their homes, families and livelihoods,” Mr Brazier said.
Initiating the contributions with a $1,000 donation, Cruise & Maritime Voyages subsequently matched guest donations dollar for dollar with the final figure totalling $10,070.
“CMV is truly thankful to our Vasco da Gama guests for their generosity to make such a meaningful impact. We wish everybody joining us on board over Christmas, and those across Australia, a happy and safe holiday season,” concluded Mr Brazier.
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