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P&O Cruises Australia is collecting reusable goods from its ships and donating them to one of the country’s major charities, Mission Australia, under an innovative new community-giving program.
Two truckloads of good-condition items were collected from the cruise line’s storage facility recently including almost 2500 bed spreads, 11 rollaway beds, 21 cots plus bathrobes and even coffee pots.
Mission Australia also received 70 personal computers from P&O Cruises’ headquarters in St Leonards, Sydney.
The goods will be distributed by Mission Australia to those in need or used to help raise money for their services.
Mission Australia is one of the nation’s leading community service organisations with over 450 services which last year helped more than 330,000 people.
Through its programs and services, Mission Australia combats homelessness; assists families and children overcome hardship; supports disadvantaged young people; delivers entry-level training; and helps unemployed people find permanent work.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises in Australia, said it was the first time P&O Cruises had established a formal partnership to ensure reusable and valuable items from our ships were put to good use.
"The project not only helps those in our community who need an extra hand, but is another way for us to reduce waste from our operations in a socially conscious and sustainable way," Ms Sherry said.
"Our ships are like floating resorts and we are regularly upgrading items such as bedspreads, linen, towels, dishes, crockery and cookware that are in good condition and can easily be re-used.
"P&O Cruises has a strong culture of giving and we are very excited about this partnership with Mission Australia, which helps take this to the next level."
Toby Hall, Mission Australia’s CEO, said the goods would prove extremely valuable – both in terms of being on-sold by the organisation to help raise money for its services and for distribution among individuals and families doing it tough in uncertain economic times.
"Mission Australia is very grateful for P&O Cruises’ generosity. This partnership will help make a real difference in the lives of a great many people."