175,000 euros for emergency aid on La Palma

• Incredible generosity from TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Robinson and TUI customers
• Donations will help people on La Palma who are particularly affected by the volcanic eruption
• Food distribution, wellbeing support for children and teachers and help for local farmers

The volcanic eruption on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma wreaked havoc for three months. Layers of lava one metre thick destroyed homes and schools and over 7,000 residents had to be evacuated. To support the island’s local population, the TUI Care Foundation launched a fundraising campaign which, with the generosity of TUI customers, received over 175,000 euros in donations to support short and long-term relief measures. Food was distributed in the initial support phase. and now, in the aftermath of the natural disaster, well-being support is being provided in schools. A further long-term project to support affected farmers will also be set up.

Life is slowly returning to normal in La Palma, yet after the longest volcanic eruption ever recorded on the island, nothing is as it was. In 85 days, around 1,200 hectares of land were destroyed and many people had to flee their homes. In cooperation with Robinson, TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and TUI tour operators, the TUI Care Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to support them, and the response was overwhelming. Every donation made by guests was matched by the TUI Care Foundation.

Two local aid organisations are already putting the TUI Care Foundation donations to good use. Federación Española de Bancos de Alimentos (FESBAL) has distributed almost 180,000 food parcels to local people on La Palma who were particularly affected by the volcanic eruption.

Educo, a Spanish NGO focusing on child protection and education is offering psychological and wellbeing support to affected pupils and teachers as part of a broad-based school programme, which will help them to come to terms with the traumatic experience of the last few months.

Bernd Mäser, Managing Director and Spokesman of Robinson explained: "The Canary Islands and Robinson have had a special connection for decades and are extremely close to the hearts of our customers and colleagues. So it was very important to us to help at this time of need. Their incredible generosity has ensured that the people of La Palma affected by the volcanic eruption will have long term support, to help them cope with the future consequences of the catastrophe".

Pilar Orenes, General Manager at Educo said: "With the help of the TUI Care Foundation, we are able increase our support for children on La Palma. We want to address the recent challenges by offering individual psychosocial support as well as group activities and tutoring services for those who need it most. Within a very short time, the younger generation has had to cope with two very difficult situations: the eruption of the volcano and the pandemic."

The TUI Care Foundation Emergency Aid programme was set up to provide rapid assistance to local communities in the event of natural disaster in holiday destinations. In addition to the La Palma emergency aid, successful emergency relief campaigns have also raised funds for people affected by the forest fires in Turkey and Greece.