FCCA Foundation Delivers Holiday Cheer and Festivities to Deserving Children
F
or the past 18 years, the Holiday Gift Project has given underprivileged children a chance to celebrate the holiday season. The FCCA Foundation comes together with the FCCA Member Lines and its crews, along with many within the partnering destinations, to bring presents and holiday festivities to deserving children.
“It’s important to take care of children in need, and it’s gratifying to see the Foundation continue to grow and partner with charities who have children that are counting on them for some holiday cheer.” – Kevin Sheehan, FCCA Chairman & Norwegian Cruise Line CEO shout out with glee because of this project.
“We are pleased of the good work that the FCCA Foundation has been doing for the past 18 years,” said Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line and chairman of the FCCA. “It’s important to take care of children in need, and it’s gratifying to see the Foundation continue to grow and partner with charities who have children that are counting on them for some holiday cheer.”
The FCCA Foundation contributes gifts that were selected for age groups and genders by the destinations. Member Lines then loaded the gifts onboard their vessels, serving as Santa (some of which actually dressed as Old St. Nick) as they brought the gifts to the partnering destinations, where holiday parties and festivities were set up to deliver the presents, smiles and holiday cheer.
In December 2013, nearly 7,000 children throughout 33 Caribbean and Latin American destinations will truly
“On behalf of all of us at Princess Cruises, we are honored and privileged to bring a little holiday cheer into the
lives of some of those who could use a little cheer, especially at this special time of the year,” told Stephen Nielsen, vice president, Caribbean & Atlantic shore operations, Princess Cruises. It is true that the cheer is needed and appreciated by all, even those assisting. How could they not cherish delivering a toy and smile to a child who would have no present otherwise? “I can say that St. Maarten is very grateful to the FCCA member lines for the many years they have been bringing holiday cheer to the faces of our children. We have coordinated and particiFourth Quarter 2013 • Cruising Magazine 19