Miami HEAT and Carnival Pledge $1 Million to Support Hurricane Melissa Relief in Jamaica

The Miami HEAT, in partnership with the Mickey & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc, has donated $1 million to Direct Relief to aid recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, and continues to impact parts of the Caribbean.

Direct Relief, a global humanitarian nonprofit, works to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, regardless of politics, religion, or financial circumstances.

Together, these organizations have contributed nearly $17.2 million in recent years to support response efforts for the crisis in Ukraine; hurricanes Helene, Milton, Ian, Dorian, Michael, Florence, Irma, and Harvey; tornadoes in Kentucky; and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” said Eric Woolworth, President of Business Operations for The HEAT Group. “In Florida, we are all too familiar with the devastation a Category 5 hurricane can bring. Direct Relief’s life-saving assistance is essential as communities begin to rebuild.”

Carnival Corporation & plc CEO Josh Weinstein added, “We’re sending strength and comfort to our friends in Jamaica, whose warmth and hospitality have created many unforgettable memories for our guests and crew. Our ties to Jamaica run deep, and it is crucial that we support these communities now. Our donation to Direct Relief will help provide urgent assistance to individuals and families affected by this catastrophic storm.”

In response to Jamaica’s request, Direct Relief has assembled 100 field medic packs filled with first-aid and triage materials for frontline responders. The organization has also shared its complete medical inventory with the Ministry of Health and stands ready to distribute additional supplies and medicines as needed.

Medical aid prepared for delivery includes antibiotics, field medic backpacks, personal protective equipment, over-the-counter medicines, treatments for chronic illnesses, and other critical resources.

“Direct Relief is deeply grateful to the Miami HEAT, the Mickey & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Carnival Corporation,” said Amy Weaver, Direct Relief’s CEO. “Their support builds on the Arison family’s longstanding commitment to our mission and helps accelerate urgent medical assistance in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa continues to impact the region. This contribution will immediately get medicines, supplies, and clinical support to local health workers, providing immediate relief and helping strengthen health systems for the future.”