The FCCA Foundation provides a tangible mechanism for the cruise industry to fund a range of humanitarian causes in the Caribbean and Latin America. In its 15 years of existence, the Foundation has impacted hundreds of thousands of citizens by providing over $3 million in funding to causes and charities throughout the region. Programs include:

We all experience times of need when we reach out hoping to find a helping hand there to grab us. In these moments desperation rears its ugly head as one wonders if their prayers will be answered. Sometimes it’s simple as needing someone to help you move, but those with true trouble might not have a home in the first place, or come to find it destroyed by a hurricane. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association formed the FCCA Foundation in order to extend hands that are willing to lift or build in any situation to help pick up those who may have fallen or gotten pushed down throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

Since its inception, over $3 million has made its way to worthwhile causes. Often these programs hear about the FCCA Foundation and contact the Association for appropriation. Also during member events and working travels, the FCCA finds deserving programs in the destinations, which seems appropriate as these members contribute a good deal of the funds used in the FCCA Foundation. Only through donations can the humanitarian efforts continue.

Cayman HospiceCare operates in a similar way; solely through assistance can they persist. Yet after all the care they provide, it surely seems deserved. Imagine already fighting the battle of poverty, living in a shack while peddling the goods you can fashion together to sell to the wealthy tourists. You already fight the elements, with your dirt floor turning to mud with every downpour and your rickety homestead swaying with the wind as if it were the palm tree it is made of. When sickness strikes you, it has to be a cold, something minor from the conditions, you tell yourself. Obviously a high cost hospital with a private room is out of the question, but you turn to a local health care program that takes care of you for free. When cancer becomes the diagnosis, suddenly it doesn’t seem so hard to conquer knowing you have a sparring partner to try and knock it out together. The FCCA Foundation was pleased to help continue the efforts by Cayman HospiceCare this year.

At least that person was lucky enough to have a roof over their head, a luxury many throughout the land would consider lucky. Hand in Hand Ministries has a Building for Change program, in which they work to fund and build houses for those needing them. They have provided living arrangements for over 60 families to date, 4 of which were possible through the contributions from the FCCA Foundation. Allen Garbutt now can focus on fighting his sickness instead of the elements. Mr. Hubert Alexander Bowen only has to travel from one side of the house to the other on his wheelchair instead of searching for a place to call sleep. We can all identify with single parent families and their incessant needs; luckily Giselda Ellington and Cynthia McCullough have much less to worry about.

The FCCA Foundation felt that the Dominica Red Cross and Mahaut Gospel Tabernacle causes were worthy and presented contributions aboard Carnival’s Destiny. The Red Cross received donatations for the emergency response vehicle needed to move residents from harms way. Though this won’t prevent disaster, it will certainly assist with the after-shocks. Like the FCCA, the Gospel Tabernacle is a non-profit organization, and exists only through volunteering providing counseling, a family life program, temporary shelter, housing, follow-up visits, and the feeding program “Feed My Sheep,” which the FCCA provided funds, stuffing thousands of empty stomachs with food.

The FCCA Foundation also deals with regular events and causes. Every year the FCCA Foundation provides funding to assist the atheletes of the Caribbean Special Olympics to provide sporting equipment and uniforms. Each year the pinacle of the holiday season is when the FCCA and its Member Lines remember 8,000 children that Santa’s list omitted to bring smiles and presents throughout 36 destinations. The Environmental Poster Competition brings awareness and scholastic scholarships to a good portion of competitors while allowing them the chance to display their abilities, just as the FCCA Essay Competition seeks to reward participants for their efforts.

The FCCA always seeks to improve the communities reached by the cruise industry and their own involvement. Many times this betterment only comes through connections, opportunities, and networking, but the FCCA Foundation provides the chance of directly impacting the destinations. Each dollar spent sees more residual gains than the most rewarding investment. Still, we need you to take advantage of this lucrative offer in order to truly thrive, and we hope you strive to assist us.