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Heat & Carnival Pledge $1 Million To Philippines Relief

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Heat and team owner Micky Arison's company Carnival Corporation have pledged to donate at least $1 million to support relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

"All of us at Carnival and the Miami HEAT extend our deepest sympathy to the Philippines and its people," Arison said. "The typhoon in the Philippines has caused massive destruction, and is having a tragic impact on people and families, including those members of our extended Carnival family who reside in the region."

The Heat has a special tie to the Philippines because head coach Erik Spoelstra's family is Filipino-American. Spoelstra has held basketball camps in the country for the past few years.

"It is vitally important that we do everything possible to help those impacted by this tragedy," Spoelstra said in a statement. "My thanks and appreciation to Carnival, Micky Arison and the entire Miami HEAT organization. We value the many fans that we have over there, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

Carnival said each of its 10 brands will support the relief efforts through local fundraising and other aid initiatives.

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