Cruise Planners’ recently sailed aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna ship for their Elite Summit in Europe and learned firsthand that AmaWaterways was planning to generously take one of their ships out of service to help house and feed refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners Michelle Fee, who hosted the Elite Summit with over 170 advisors, executives and supplier partners, pledged her support as well.
“After speaking to Kristin (Karst, executive VP and co-owner of AmaWaterways), we immediately wanted to help,” said Fee. “We came up with a plan to create a pledge site for our network of advisors to adopt those housed on AmaWaterways’ ship. The funds will go directly toward helping them rebuild their lives. We are grateful to our community of advisors and their spirit of giving – so many of whom reached out asking how they could support efforts to help Ukraine refugees.”
To kick off the pledge, Cruise Planners donated $10,000 from their charity, CP Cares, and will donate $500 each month thereafter for the next 6 months. Advisors who want to participate, were asked to commit to a monthly pledge over the next 6 months as well, in any amount they choose or a one-time donation. The donations will not be used to house or feed those aboard since AmaWaterways is taking care of those essentials. The donations will instead be used to distribute to the Ukrainian refugees onboard to help them begin to rebuild their lives, therefore, directly touching those in need.
JJ Kuykendall, who was also on the Elite Summit trip, signed up immediately. “I put myself in their shoes. How would I cope with such a tragedy when all of a sudden, I was forced from my home, my job, my kids and my grandkids with nothing but what I could physically carry with me as I fled my country? All that I have known in my life is now gone. How could I NOT help? I pray that people around the world who have an opportunity and ability to give, will. Collectively, we can make a difference.”