Creation of fund for HAL staff

[localady]

I keep hoping to see some kind of announcement from HAL to establish a fund to return staff members to Indonesia. As I understand it, currently these staff must pay their own travel expenses. I for one would be happy to donate to a fund for the staff members, even if it was frequent flyer miles as were done for the military personnel. These people have done so much to make my vacations spectacular, I sure would like to give back something. Anyone have any idea how we can do this????

P.S. I have put a call into HAL Seattle to find out if a fund has been established and the specifics. Will post any response I receive.

[sail7seas]

Please post any info you get. I certainly would want to assist any crew people whose families are suffering.


We will be donating to Relief Agencies but I would very much want to specifically help crew members.

[localady]

I just had a conversation with Tiffany Bergman at HAL who promised to move the request "up the line" and get back to me. I told her there were many of us out here in the "cruising community" that I believed would be willing to help.

S7S- That was my feeling also, that we could donate to a relief organization but that it would be nice to "give something back" to those that have made our vacations so special.

I promise to post any response I receive from HAL when they respond. :cool:

[ryansmemom]

Chimera and I would definitly be interested in donating to any fund HAL sets up to aid HAL employees and their families.

Linda

[RuthC]

Localady, that is such a generous thought. Please do let us know if and how we can give a little back to those who have given us so much .

[Krazy Kruizers]

localady

Please do let us know as soon as you hear something from HAL.

Our newspaper listed quite a few charities this morning that people can contribute to.

[Little Feet]

We want to help out, too. I'll be watching for any notice of a fund. I think we can interest a lot of cruisers in a collection for the crew that make our vacations on the sea so special.

[Oceanwench]

What a wonderful idea!

[localady]

So wonderful to see the responses from everyone!! If I do not hear back from HAL within a day or 2, I promise I will follow up! I just knew there were many generous cruisers on this board who would be happy to help in any way they can!!:D

Thank you to all!:cool:

[rmmm]

I thought this was already in place. When I was on the Maasdam this summer a collection was taken up at Mass. The priest announced that part of the collection went to the fund for crew members who needed to fly home in emergency situations. Surely Holland America could set up a way for people to make contributions to this fund by credit card.

[localady]

I had not heard of the fund, but if HAL already has a mechanism in place, it's even better!!

Still waiting to hear back from HAL, I shall let you all know the response I get from them.:cool:

[Sage]

Localady,

I too would be interested in making a donation to a relief fund. Please keep us posted as to what you find out. Thanks for starting this wonderful idea.

[Jacqueline]

Count me in !

[doone]

Count me in as well.

[iluvcruzin]

Great idea. However, there are some adminstrative costs associated in fund raising which is why many corporations refused to manage them. I wonder if there is an international non-profit organization that could assist the crew and accept donations?

(I tried to get a major corporation to set up a fund once a few years ago and ran into all sorts of red tape. There are legal issues etc.. In the end it was not possible. :( )

[CruiseMark]

If you want to donate outside of Localady's efforts (which I applaude), Amazon has set it up so it's very easy to donate to the Red Cross fund for this disaster. Go here for more details: http://www.amazon.com/paypage/PX3BEL97U9A4I

[lcruiser]

Count on me too. Hopefully something will be done by HAL as they are the best thing going for Holland America.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Obviously we are all anxious to help not only our friends from Holland America, but the thousands who have suffered such enormous loss following this catastrophe. Help is going to be needed for many months, even years, to come.

But I do want to remind everyone of the utter disaster after 9/11 when fund after fund was set up and so many people in their strong desire to help out as quickly as possible, sent their money off to fund managers they knew nothing about. So much of the money did not get where it was supposed to go.

In our haste help out, please let's do the best we can to be sure that the monies will be managed by an extremely reputable administrator and that there is as little administrative expense as possible involved.

[iluvcruzin]

I agree Heather

[localady]

One would hope that HAL would see through the administrative tape and "donate" some personnel time to accomplish this. My concern about sending my donation to a large international organization is that I don't know much about them, other than the Red Cross.

I would hope that if we were to establish a fund for the HAL employees that HAL would be willing to administer it despite the red tape and possibly match the donations to some extent. If I hear nothing today I will again contact Ms. Bergman. I know that it takes time to "move up the ranks", but in this time is important.

[hdawson]

Given the conditions in the areas effected, it's probably best for the crews to stay with the ship. Mass burials is the only thing prudent at a time such as this so no way to be there for a funeral as we know it. There could even be a ban on passenger flights other than relief teams. Communication systems are out of order. A lack of water and other necessities of life.

[localady]

I agree with you HDawson, but in the months to come, I strongly believe there are going to be crew members that need to return home to handle their personal business and help their families. The idea is to begin the fund raising while this is "fresh" in everyones minds, then to assist the crewmembers in the months to come to deal with this terrible tragedy.

[RevNeal]

I can't help but think and pray about my room steward from the Zaandam in Sept/Oct. He was from Sumatra.

I sure hope HAL either establishes a fund to help their own people, or contributes resources to one to help at least the people of Indonesia.

Thus far, I and my congregation have given funds to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. 100% of donations go to relief efforts in South Asia.

http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/emergency/southasia.stm

The American Red Cross Tsunami Relief fund, managed by Amazon.com, is another good source. Also, I understand that the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions has geared up operations too. Unfortunately the P.I.M.E. website is under reconstruction at the moment, but they give this contact information:

PIME Missionaries
17330 Quincy St.
Detroit, Michigan 48221-2749

phone: 313-342-4066
fax: 313-342-6816
email: info@pimeusa.org

Another possibility that just occurred to me is Mother Teresa's organization, which has plenty of people in India and is famous for helping the poor, ill, and suffering. Here's their web site:

http://www.cmswr.org/member_communities/MC.htm

And, of course:

Catholic Relief Services: 800-736-3467, http://www.catholicrelief.org
Direct Relief International: 805-964-4767, http://www.directrelief.org
Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres: 888-392-0392, http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org
International Medical Corps: 800-481-4462, http://www.imcworldwide.org
International Orthodox Christian Charities Middle East Crisis Response: 877-803-4622, http://www.iocc.org

[localady]

I just got off the phone with Ms. Bergman from Holland America. She stated that thankfully, not many of their crew members were affected by the tragedy!! HAL has offered free communications, etc. for those crew members affected and will work with those crew members and their families. She suggested that we consider donating to the Red Cross- Indonesia or any other charity that would benefit the victims directly.

Ms. Bergman asked me to thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts for the crew and said that the crew was very touched at our response. On board there are donations being made to the various staff.

It is truly a blessing that not more staff members were affected by the tragedy. We will continue to pray for those who were affected.

I appreciate RevNeal's suggestions also for donations and urge you all to donate. Thank you all for your responses!

[iluvcruzin]

Thanks for the followup localady. What you did to try and set up something was extremely compassionate. Thanks for the list RevNeal. It's nice to get a list of options.

[Sailboater]

I haven't been able to find a way to make a donation "online" to the Indonesian Red Cross. We would really like to direct our donation to Indonesia as we feel the "link" there having sailed on HAL with wonderful Indonesian staff.

Has anyone found a way to make such a directed donation to a reliable relief organization? If so, would you post the URL.

Continuing to hold all the affected region in our thoughts and prayers.

[ekerr19]

Mary-

Here is the link I found.

http://www.ifrc.org/where/country/cn6.asp?countryid=85

On the Main page, it says To make a donation, please see the How to Help section.

Just click on that and it will take you to the online donation page.

[hdawson]

Here's a list of agencys involved in the tradegy but none specifically for Indonesia. Courtesy of Laura.

http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/international/earthquake/tsunami122604.aspx

[localady]

Here is the website for the Indonesian Red Cross:

http://www.palangmerah.org/default.asp?stat=eng

It is unclear to me though where on the site donations can be made. It appears that it might be that we donate to the International Red Cross and ear mark the money for the earthqauke and tsunami vistims. That website is:
www.icrc.org (http://www.icrc.org/)

In looking at the website there is a way to earmark the money specifically for Indonesia or any other country you choose to. Thanks again to everyone for their donations and support!

[RaffinOrganGrinders]

Here is the website for the Indonesian Red Cross:

http://www.palangmerah.org/default.asp?stat=eng

It is unclear to me though where on the site donations can be made. It appears that it might be that we donate to the International Red Cross and ear mark the money for the earthqauke and tsunami vistims. That website is:
www.icrc.org (http://www.icrc.org/)

In looking at the website there is a way to earmark the money specifically for Indonesia or any other country you choose to. Thanks again to everyone for their donations and support!


Here is the direct link for the Red Crescent Earthquake and Tsunami Victims.

http://www.ifrc.org/helpnow/donate/donate_response.asp

[hdawson]

May I remind folks that there are people that will take advantage of others generosity with fake charitys. Please be familiar with the charity you are supporting.

[notyats]

Been told by the higher ups on the ships that HAL will fly them home and back to the ship if they need to go because of what has happened in Asia. They were also allowed to make calls from the ship if concerned for peace of mind.

[Sailboater]

The Red Cross website is very slow even with broadband. Hopefully that means that many others are contributing to this very worthwhile cause.

I am glad to hear that HAL is taking care of those that take such good care of us.

Thanks to everyone who posted the website for me.

[staufj22]

Might I suggest looking at this site first before donating to any charity.
I personally want the majority of my money going towards the relief effort, and not the operating costs of the organization.

http://www.charitywatch.org/hottopics/tsunami_asia.html

[mjmagee]

CruiseMark. Thanks for the Amazon link. I checked it out and if you sit there and click your refresh button you can see the donated amount going up at about $1000 every few minutes! They have over 3 mil donated to the Red Cross disaster relief right now. I made my donation and I plan to visit the Unicef site too. Their charge is always the welfare of children and women but in this kind of disaster they are responsible for providing fresh water...and we have all heard recently how critical that is right now. Marilyn

[whm]

Thanks for putting forth the effort toward this. This truly beyond the comprehension of us all.

[Cruiseoften]

With so many memorable HAL cruises, we're all for assisting affected crew personnel - BUT - let's not go off half cocked on this! As someone said, there are 'schiesters' (sp???) out there - they are ready, willing and able to accept our donations but chances are high that the needy will not benefit. Let's all be sure to direct our generosity to REAL organizations - the Red Cross etc. etc.

[Kami's pal]

I knew that the people who conscientiously consider leaving an auto tip in place so that they can then 'tip' extra would be generous. I did get a bit anxious when the discussion verged into indignation over a poorly worded statement naming (north) "Americans" stingy, but this thread has been very reassuring.

I know that Canada's government as well the governments of the U.S., U.K. and so many other first world nations are gearing up to help with money and resources, as they should. But bureaucracies take a long time to get organised. Our donations to the NGOs such as Red Cross, Red Crescent, etc. will give these agencies the resources to act immediately. They will be the buffer so that clean water, medications, locating survivors, uniting families, burials etc. can happen now. Then when our relief ministers receive the requests they can concentrate on the big jobs of rebuilding infrastructure. There is need for both.

And I am relieved that my donation, small as it seems is both helpful and necessary. I am fortunate to have enough income that I must pay taxes. I am even rich enough to take cruise vacations. And now I know that I can continue to meet the people of these devastated areas without feeling guilty because I have made some small sacrifice to help their loved ones. People who travel, people who cruise have healthy consciences and big hearts. :D

[Cruiseoften]

We've just made a donation to the above cause - via - www.redcross.ca - I still believe that a donation to a well recognized organization is the best way to go.

It's wonderful news that relatively few HAL personnel are affected by this disaster - for those who are - may God look after you and yours.

[Searanger]

HAL has now posted a letter on their website from Mr. Stein Kruse.

[localady]

Searanger-

Thanks for the heads up! I am glad to see that HAL has responded, and am touched to see that so many contacted HAL out of concern for the crew.

It is also incredibly cheering in this world to watch the donations at Amazon.com for the Red Cross International fund climb higher and higher, who says $50 doesn't make a big deal!

We all know how blessed we are on this New Years Eve. It's nice to see that together our small donations may make a difference and will hopefully help people survive and rebuild.

As Linda says, "thanks for listening".:cool:

[CruisecriticEditorialTeam]

Hi. Just wanted to let you know that we're thinking on the same lines: what are cruise lines doing to help crew members whose families may be impacted (and thanks to a Cruise Critic member for emailing us with the suggestion).

We put in a call to HAL's top p.r. executive yesterday afternoon and I hope that the fact that we got absolutely no response whatsoever (and I'm writing this 24 hours later) -- doesn't mean there's no one there working on a plan. Or better yet, already implementing one.

Searanger, we did also see the announcement published by Stein Kruse...alas it doesn't really say much. Just a vague mention of a donation and help for crew members to contact family (from the ship, alas, not helping those impacted get home).

We're planning to publish a news item -- hopefully Monday -- about whatever it is that cruise lines, not just HAL but Celebrity, Princess, etc., are actually doing -- so check in with us there. We're working also on contacting crew members we know -- and would love any input you care to share.

Thanks.

Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor
Cruise Critic

[Margie_Lady]

Check out the HAL website "Tsunami Relief" for a letter from Stein Cruse, President and CEO on this subject.

[localady]

Hi. Just wanted to let you know that we're thinking on the same lines: what are cruise lines doing to help crew members whose families may be impacted (and thanks to a Cruise Critic member for emailing us with the suggestion).

We put in a call to HAL's top p.r. executive yesterday afternoon and I hope that the fact that we got absolutely no response whatsoever (and I'm writing this 24 hours later) -- doesn't mean there's no one there working on a plan. Or better yet, already implementing one.

Searanger, we did also see the announcement published by Stein Kruse...alas it doesn't really say much. Just a vague mention of a donation and help for crew members to contact family (from the ship, alas, not helping those impacted get home).

We're planning to publish a news item -- hopefully Monday -- about whatever it is that cruise lines, not just HAL but Celebrity, Princess, etc., are actually doing -- so check in with us there. We're working also on contacting crew members we know -- and would love any input you care to share.

Thanks.

Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor
Cruise CriticCarolyn-
On behalf of all of us, thanks for pursuing this. I think that actually hearing it from the crew members themselves will be helpful, as since my conversation with Ms. Bergman at HAL, the deaths in Sumatra alone have risen expotentially.:(
I know that there are many CC'ers who would step up to the plate on this one. Thanks to all at CC who realize that although this is not a "cruising" topic per say, that it is relevant and important to share the information here on the boards.

[hdawson]

Carolyn and the team. Sending the crewmembers home immediately may be the worst thing to do. That's just more people that will have to be cared for. The countrys involved may have prohibited passenger traffic into the areas in favor of planes filled with supplies. There is no infrastructure for anyone coming in. Funerals are immediate by mass graves and creamation.
Right now communications are almost unheard of for people not involved with the recovery effort. I'm sure the cruiselines are trying their best to provide communications when available. I gave through the Red Cross yesterday.
That's for survival.

[hdawson]

Here's a letter from HAL concerning the families of their crew members.

http://www.hollandamerica.com/pdfs/Tsunami-WebLetter_2004-12-30.pdf

[Kami's pal]

Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor
Cruise Critic

I've been looking back at my various cruises. In each are pictures of my wait staff, stewards, even, the "yum yum" man (Kris ? I don't know where he is now that Noordam is gone). Thankfully, I hear that HAL is offering employee assistance in the form of counselling and even fares home if necessary. That is reassuring. But I'd like to somehow personally indicate my condolences to these people.

I know, it's doubtful that they'd remember me. I'm only a passenger. But I remember them because they gave a bit of themselves to me. Even though they must have had the same conversations every time a new complement of passengers boarded, they graciously answered questions about their homes, their families. their dreams. I heard about their coming weddings, their expected babies, their children's' schooling. They are in my photograph albums.

Carolyn, is there some way that we could sign a 'virtual card' that could be posted in the staff dining halls or newsletters of the ships? Or could some sort of compilation or excerpts of our letters here on CC be published in their news letters?

Yes, I've donated. Yes, I've urged my government to get involved. And, no I don't expect to communicate personally with any of the crew with whom I interacted. I know they need time and will have colleagues and employers to help them I'd just like to somehow write the equivalent to a letter to the editor in their newspaper. I don't know how to reach the appropriate people to find out if something like that is possible. Can any of you convey that to the cruise lines? Thank you.

[Stevedan]

I was on the Zuiderdam 12/23 sailing. As of 12/29, we were told that 3 cabin stewards had deaths in their families, and were being flown home on 12/30 at Holland America's expense. We were told that HAL does fly crew members home at company expense for emergencies. We were also told that HAL was paying for crew members to try to call home if the calls could even go through.

There was a box at the Front Office for collections to the Indonesian Red Cross.

[Host Walt]

I agree with those who are suggesting that we all pause for a day or two to permit time for a structure to be put in place.

Considering that no plan was developed to simply communicate a tsunami warning, it's hard to believe that a relief function with accountability can be arranged in just a week.

Relief money will continue to be most important in the months ahead, so I suggest we all wait just a bit and see what Carolyn develops in the next few days. That nway we can be sure that the money is being used to do good and not to line some charlatan's pockets. (We've seen far too much of that in recent years.):


Hi. Just wanted to let you know that we're thinking on the same lines: what are cruise lines doing to help crew members whose families may be impacted (and thanks to a Cruise Critic member for emailing us with the suggestion).

We put in a call to HAL's top p.r. executive yesterday afternoon and I hope that the fact that we got absolutely no response whatsoever (and I'm writing this 24 hours later) -- doesn't mean there's no one there working on a plan. Or better yet, already implementing one.

Searanger, we did also see the announcement published by Stein Kruse...alas it doesn't really say much. Just a vague mention of a donation and help for crew members to contact family (from the ship, alas, not helping those impacted get home).

We're planning to publish a news item -- hopefully Monday -- about whatever it is that cruise lines, not just HAL but Celebrity, Princess, etc., are actually doing -- so check in with us there. We're working also on contacting crew members we know -- and would love any input you care to share.

Thanks.

Carolyn Spencer Brown
Editor
Cruise Critic

[Kami's pal]

Some of you who read these boards will be embarking soon. You can take with you copies of the newspapers from your own cities, and printout some small portion of the good wishes expressed here. You can then find the appropriate crew reps on board to turn over to them our messages that we are concerned, that we have enquired about their welfare, that we have responded in every way we can think of.

This should be done carefully, going through supervisors so as to not burden individual crew with having to bare their pain, or try to respond to us. Most of us have experienced the death of a loved one. We know how vulnerable a grieving person is, how raw the psyche, how difficult receiving well meant comments are, so I'm not suggesting that this be done indescriminately to every waiter, steward etc you meet. Just that you seek out a chaplin or CD and give them some of this material. Their own crew reps will know how best to convey our condolences to the rest of the crew.

[Little Feet]

It seems more appropriate to donate directly to the Indonesian Red Cross and not to the American Red Cross. I am not completely certain how much of the funds will be approriately utilized (for what we are wishing) if given through the ARC. Obviously they will have admin. costs & we will not know the outcome. If given to the Indonesian Red Cross at least it will be there initially. Our Red Cross is problematic and not completely a charity. I do not wish to bash them, please understand, I have a bit of first hand knowledge.... there are business issues associated with the ARC. Their track record has been less than stellar in past disater relief, even in this country for our victims. I think the funds will do the most and quickest good if sent directly to the area of concern.

[hdawson]

There are many good charities available. I choose the American Red Cross or Salvation Army because invariably they are the first on scene. Whether it be an apartment complex fire here in the US or areas devestated by cyclones.
In contributing via the Red Cross you can designate your money to go to the Tsunami Relief Fund. Like any of the larger charities, they do have some adminsitrative expenses and some permanent emplolyees. How else can an agency respond immediately and with money in a reserve fund? Their administative staff prepurchase the likely most needed items for disaster and have developed relationships with textile and apparel manufacturers, drug companys, makers of emergency shelter supplies, transportation companys, and the list goes on. When I was in the military there were a couple of times the Red Cross helped me personally. As with any large charity, business, government agency, etc., there will always be what is felt as inequities in a few cases.
Everyone should choose their own charity that they feel will be able to do the most with your contribution. The main thing is to give and make sure your charity of choice is an effective choice and not a scam.

[luv2cruise450]

Thanks to all for the information...good to know that HAL is taking care of these wonderful crew members who though we may only enjoy their friendship for a brief time as pax...the indelible memories are there. The mind numbing numbers keep climbing...we send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to all those affected. Hoping desperately that the monetary contributions can start to ease some of the physical suffering for all these people. Besides the Red Cross...I have sent checks to OXfam, CARE and UNICEF. I know these organizations will be sending aid in many forms. And if HAL does start a crew fund that we can contribute to...please let us know on these boards.
Thanks again for showing the spirit of caring and generosity.

[Little Feet]

Since reading the posts after mine (promoting the idea that we donate directly to the area in need), I see that I should have detailed a bit of my logic. Any organization will have admim. costs associated with the handling of relief. If the admin. costs are spent locally in the area of the disaster, the donation is benefiting them in 2 ways. The admin. costs go to pay thse locally involved with the donation.....particularly paying the wages of those living in the disaster stricken areas. This helps their economy....as opposed to the admin. costs of American charity organizations (American staff wages, expenses, etc) and the balance of the donation goes toward the local cause. The disaster areas need help on many levels and helping their economy with wages and employment (admin. costs ) is just another way to help. More of the donation goes to the people in need if we donate to the area with the disaster.

As I stated, I am not out to bash the ARC....they have been helpful to many. I do have firsthand experience with some of the business issues they are involved with (the selling of donated blood products to private industry) and have seen with my own eyes their "selective assistance" to victims of Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Florida. In their defense, they did assist those that they "selected". The ARC is not my favorite charity....but again....I thought the object was to provide the most useful assistance to the disaster visctims and area (ecomony structure) of the recent Tsunami....not the economy of the US. Another way to think of it is "eliminate the middleman" when he is not necessary! Funds sent directly to the area of need provides the most help for the buck!

[hdawson]

I have found no listing for an Indonsian Red Cross. Could they use the name
Red Crescent? Many Muslims States choose Red Crescent and that is not a slam.
Not speaking of any particular charity, but we have all heard of misuse and outright fraud and theft of government and private aid in recipient countrys and from the comfort of our homes in the US we have little way of knowing how reputable foreign charitys are. We've all read of some charitys benefiting Al Queda.
I feel that our ARC is accountable and a safe way of contriuting to this and many other tradegys. The IRC and Red Crescent do many good works.

[Little Feet]

For the Indonesian Red Cross Site go to: www.ifrc.org/where/country/cn6.asp?countryid=85

On the right side of this page there are links to the Indonesian Red Cross.

[hdawson]

Thanks. The list I used must not be complete.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Red_Cross_and_Red_Crescent_Societies

[Little Feet]

No word on a HAL fund we could contribute to?

[localady]

Little Feet-

When I contacted HAL they told me to recommend we make donations to the Red Cross of Indonesia directly or to any of the other funds that are involved in the Tsunami relief agency.

It's so touching to see the outpouring of private donations. My son's middle school collected $4,000 today for the victims. Although it doesn't seem like much, this came from 1000 kids, age 11-13. That is alot of lunch money!:cool:

[Hakuna]

I just recently joined cruisecritic and read this thread about helping the Tsunami victims. I have found one charity that I donate to wholeheartedly because that organization is staffed by volunteers and every penny collected is used for the betterment of the people who are most disadvantaged. Not one penny goes to administration. The organization is called Focus Humanitarian and the website is: www.volunteersforprosperity.gov/busorg/profiles/focus-humanitarian-assistance.htm (http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov/busorg/profiles/focus-humanitarian-assistance.htm)

I often donate to the Red Cross, but they have very high administrative costs, i believe and here I know that every cent goes to the needy. My cousin by marriage, who is a pharmacist, often volunteers for this organization, where he is sent to different parts of the world, but he is not paid a penny. He covers all his own costs.
Hopefully this info will help those who are looking to help. Take care,

Shami