MIAMI — The Miami Heat and Carnival Corporation & plc have committed to donate at least $1 million to support relief efforts in communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, it was announced Tuesday.
Heat owner Micky Arison is the chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company with 10 brands. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra is Filipino-American.
"We would like to extend our condolences to the victims in the Philippines, an area I hold close to my heart and have visited four times in the last five years," Spoelstra said. "It is vitally important that we do everything possible to help those impacted by this tragedy. My thanks and appreciation to Carnival, Micky Arison and the entire Miami Heat organization. We value the many fans that we have over there, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers."
Each of Carnival Corporation & plc’s brands and its employees will continue to support the ongoing relief efforts through local fundraising and other aid initiatives.
"All of us at Carnival and the Miami Heat extend our deepest sympathy to the Philippines and its people," Arison said. "The typhoon in the Philippines has caused massive destruction, and is having a tragic impact on people and families, including those members of our extended Carnival family who reside in the region.
"We are in the process of evaluating a variety of worthy organizations that are doing fantastic work in the Philippines. In addition to providing financial support for relief efforts, our collective thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been impacted."
Charlie McCarthy can be reached at mac1763@bellsouth.net or on Twitter @mccarthy_chas.
