MSC Cruises, a UNICEF partner since 2009, has announced the successful fundraising of $4.4 million (4 million euro) onboard their ships to support child nutrition initiatives by UNICEF. The $4.4 million check was officially presented to UNICEF officials by MSC executives yesterday at a special ceremony at the Expo Milano 2015.
The partnership, officially named ‘Get on Board for Children,’ encourages guests sailing aboard MSC Cruises to donate a $1 amount on their bill at the end of the cruise to support food aid and child nutrition initiatives by UNICEF. Guests have the option to increase the donation amount and purchase branded UNICEF products in the onboard gift shop.
“MSC Cruises and UNICEF have long-established a strong relationship, having worked hand in hand since 2009 on a program that positively impacts the life of thousands of children around the world,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman. “We are thus extremely proud to have reached the €4 million milestone and wish to thank our guests for their continued generosity in support of UNICEF and our joint program.”
MSC Cruises is not only involved with UNICEF through fundraising, but through logistics as well. MSC Cruises, alongside her MSC sister companies, regularly assist in the delivery and distribution of food items and supplies to countries in need of assistance.
Over the years, MSC Cruises’ partnership with UNICEF has also provided funds to combat poverty and inequality. Approximately $2.9 million was raised to help children in 126 vulnerable communities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo gain access to a quality education. In addition, part of that amount was used to fight malaria in high-burden countries such as Mauritania, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Comoros.
