When Mike Leavitt was named the new president of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, he said to expect to see changes and new ideas from the choir. On Wednesday, Leavitt announced the choir has teamed up with Azamara Cruise Lines and three charitable organizations — CARE, the International Rescue Committee and the American Red Cross — in a unique travel and giving experience.

Due to scheduling challenges from the pandemic, The Tabernacle Choir was forced to cancel its long-planned tour, which has since been rescheduled for this summer. With the help of Azamara, the choir has turned this cancellation into a charitable opportunity on the same ship that was booked for the tour.

Travelers will be able to help victims of conflict, famine, disease and other crises in a way that fosters humanitarian relief and peace.

“One hundred percent of the posted sales price (excluding any fees and commissions) from two Baltic cruises scheduled for June 2022 will be donated equally to several nonprofit organizations — CARE, the International Rescue Committee and the American Red Cross — to help alleviate suffering around the world,” the choir’s announcement said.

“We are pleased to use this opportunity to honor the sacred directive to love our neighbors,” Leavitt said in a press release. “We are enormously grateful to be able to assist CARE, the International Rescue Committee and the American Red Cross in bringing much-needed aid to those suffering worldwide and express our sincere thanks to Azamara for working with us to create this charitable cruise opportunity.”

Choir leaders said these three charities were chosen due to their history of providing lifesaving aid to those displaced by global conflicts, as well as those affected by poverty and natural disasters around the world.

“We are proud to be partnering with The Tabernacle Choir to do our part in aiding global communities in need,” said Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara. “We are committed to connecting our guests with the people and destinations of the world, so we understand the importance of helping refugees across the globe receive the care and resources they need.”

Azamara will offer two cruises, a seven-night and a five-night voyage, starting June 17 and June 24, respectively, visiting ports in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Germany.

Guests can also choose to book both cruises for a total of 12 nights aboard the Azamara Pursuit, without repeating any ports throughout the voyage.

Azamara will donate a portion of certain transactions and travel agent commissions to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for purchases of any associated cruise package on the Azamara Pursuit. Taxes and port fees are not included in the posted sales price.

CARE

Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than seven decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance in the event of a crisis and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters.

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the United States’ blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

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