November 04, 2006

Update on Hooper Bay Fire Relief

Earlier this summer a devastating fire caused severe damage to the Hooper Bay community of Southwest Alaska. The fire destroyed a school complex, 14 homes, 14 acres and several other structures of this Yupik Eskimo village.

As part of the Cruise West “Our Bear Cares” program in which guests and the company provide assistance to local communities and Native organizations in the destinations where we travel, Cruise West initially contributed funds for relief efforts in Hooper Bay. The crew of the Spirit of Oceanus, which was traveling through the region when the disaster hit decided to hold an auction. They raised $1,700 by auctioning off the ship’s flag. Guests onboard also made personal donations.   In the picture you see John Kreilkamp, who is Vice President of Alaska Land Operations handing over a $4,200 donation check to Anchorage Wells Fargo Branch Manager Lisa Call for the Hooper Bay relief fund. 

This money will be used to aid in  the purchase of furniture for five pre-fabricated houses which have been shipped to Hooper Bay before the winter freeze up on their river.

Jack Dalton is a guest speaker who has been coming onboard Cruise West ships for the past five years. He is also a resident of Hooper Bay and he says , “The devastation in Hooper Bay was jarring, but the immediate response and overwhelming generosity of Cruise West and their guests has truly impacted the relief efforts.”

Posted by Gail on November 4, 2006 8:27 AM

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