Carnival Cruise Line has completed the delivery of over six tons of school, recreational and health supplies donated by Rotary International Districts for children in the Merida and Progreso, Yucatán communities. To celebrate the arrival of the items, Carnival welcomed local dignitaries, including Yucatan Undersecretary of Tourism Raul Paz and Progreso Education Director Daniela Nuñez, and Rotary leaders for a reception aboard Carnival Valor in Progreso.

“Carnival Cruise Line is committed to supporting the residents and businesses that surround our port operations,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “Partnering with Rotary International Districts to facilitate transporting this large donation to Progreso on Carnival Valor and delivering it to youth in surrounding areas is a unique way for Carnival to positively impact the lives of those in our destination communities. We extend a special thank you to our port partner SSA Mexico and government leaders for their assistance in making this delivery possible.”

Rotary International Districts collected over 13,000 pounds of supplies, including books, feminine hygiene kits and even soccer balls (or balon de futbols). Districts throughout Texas, and Oklahoma contributed items or funds to purchase items, which later sailed on Carnival Valor from New Orleans to Progreso.
“This initiative is a wonderful example of how we can truly make a difference when our volunteers join forces with the private sector and local communities,” said Rotary International President Gordon McInally, who was in Progreso to welcome the Carnival Valor delivery. “We thank Carnival for helping us transport these much-needed items to Mexico and are so proud of the work of the 10 Districts that participated in this effort.”

The delivery in Progreso is part of an ongoing partnership between Rotary International Districts and Carnival. Earlier this year, Carnival worked with Rotary Districts to deliver supplies to the Cozumel and Roatan destination communities.