By
Rebecca Gibson |
MSC Cruises has raised €4 million for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which actively works to protect the rights of children in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide.
Since MSC joined forces with UNICEF in 2009, the cruise company has encouraged guests onboard its 12 ships to make a contribution to the charity via its ‘Get on Board for Children’ initiative.
For example, around €2.6 million has been used to help children in 126 vulnerable communities in the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo gain access to a quality education. Funds have also been used to combat in high-burden countries such as Mauritania, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Comoros.
In January 2014, the companies extended their partnership to deliver ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to treat children with severe malnutrition in developing countries and in countries affected by crisis situations. To date, more than €1.3 million has been donated to help children and their families in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia and Nepal.
“With the RUTF subsidised by MSC Cruises’ guests’ donations, we have been able to save the lives of thousands of children and have helped them to a healthy start in life,” said Elsbeth Müller, executive director of the Swiss Committee for UNICEF.
Each week, MSC organises a dedicated UNICEF day, enabling children sailing on its vessels to participate in games, a parade and various ‘edutainment’ activities that raise awareness of UNICEF and the needs of children worldwide. The children are also given a UNICEF World Citizen passport, making them an ambassador for the rights of children worldwide.
“MSC Cruises and UNICEF have a long-established a strong relationship, having worked hand in hand since 2009 on a programme 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 programme.”