Travel Industry Provides Aid to Those Affected by Hurricane Dorian
by Daine Taylor
Organizations have taken part in the Hurricane Dorian relief effort, from donating millions of dollars to transporting survivors and flying critical supplies to the Bahamas.
In the wake of the devastation left behind after the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas last week, several organizations across the travel industry have banded together to offer aid to those in need, and to help get the popular travel destination back on its feet.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air lines has announced it will be sending additional supplies to the Bahamas, and it will operate two relief flights from Marsh Harbour (MHH) to Nassau (NAS).
The airline’s first scheduled relief flight departed Ft. Lauderdale for Marsh Harbour Airport to deliver 4,700 pounds of critical supplies. Once supplies were delivered, the flight departed for Nassau with 72 evacuees.
“Serving people, whether they are our customers or our neighbors in the communities where we live, work and serve, is part of Delta’s DNA,” said Tad Hutcheson, managing director – community engagement. “The destruction left by Hurricane Dorian is massive, and we want to do more to help those in need. And the most effective way we can help is by investing in organizations involved in disaster relief year-round.”
Supplies were delivered onboard the MD-88 aircraft, and included non-perishable food, water, cots, feminine products, diapers, formula, underwear, and socks for survivors. Delta coordinated with the U.S. Marine Corps, Bahamian Police, and British Marines on the ground in Marsh Harbour.
In addition to delivering aid packages, Delta has also made sizeable donations to the American Red Cross for the purpose of providing necessary relief to those in need. Most recently, the airline has announced it will donate $250,000 to the organization. This is in addition to the $250,000 previously donated, as well as the $1 million grant awarded to the American Red Cross as part of the Annual Disaster Giving Program.
United Airlines
United Airlines reaffirmed its commitment to helping communities in need by launching a Crowdrise fundraising campaign for those affected by Hurricane Dorian. Donations will support the airline’s relief partners that provide assistance in the U.S. and internationally: American Red Cross, Airlink, Americares, and Global Giving.
United is working directly with these partner organizations, as well as engaging with community leaders to assess disaster impact and provide aid to rebuild affected communities. United will match the first $100,000 raised and provide up to a total of 5 million bonus miles to give to individuals who make donations of $50 or more.
“United has a long tradition of stepping forward to assist in supporting individuals and communities impacted by hurricanes, such as Harvey, Irma and Maria,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Brett Hart. “After natural disasters, our generous customers, employees and MileagePlus members step forward to ask how they can again support those in need, and we are proud and humbled to facilitate this critical work.”
United also works with relief partner Airlink to connect with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that respond quickly and efficiently in the wake of major disasters. This past week, United flew more than 25 relief workers, including a team of search-and-rescue experts from Empact Northwest, to the Bahamas to aid in the most pressing needs identified by the local government.
“We can’t thank United enough for allowing us to jump out of the gate right away to aid people devastated by this storm,” said Airlink CEO Steven J. Smith. “Search and rescue, medical care, temporary shelter, and access to potable water are among the most immediate and pressing needs identified in the region. United’s assistance is critical in ensuring the right type of help quickly reaches those recovering.”
Atlantis, Paradise Island, and Brookfield
Atlantis, Paradise Island, and Brookfield Asset Management announced a $3 million pledge to benefit Hurricane Dorian relief efforts last week. The pledge is in addition to the grassroots efforts that started prior to, and immediately after the storm, and will help a combination of funds and organizations that are on the ground providing aid and assistance to the Bahamian people.
“All of us here at Atlantis are deeply saddened by the devastation of our sister islands Abaco and Grand Bahama. We are thankful that Hurricane Dorian did not directly impact Nassau and Paradise Island and we are in a position to help our fellow Bahamians,” said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director, Atlantis, Paradise Island. “Now our focus is on how we can contribute to the rebuilding of lives and communities in the affected areas,” Oswell continued.
Together, Atlantis and Brookfield are committing a minimum of $3 million to the relief efforts. Efforts to provide aid and relief started prior to the storm with Atlantis’ partnership with chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen team, staging and assembling much-needed meals in Atlantis’ kitchens. Meals continue to be delivered to Abaco and Grand Bahama, and volunteers from Atlantis’ staff continue to assist in assembly and delivery. These efforts will continue as long as they are needed.
