Platinum sponsors of the Mission’s Flying Angel Campaign, Seafarers UK and the Grimaldi Foundation, have donated a combined £174,000 to The Mission to Seafarers in response to the severe welfare issues facing seafarers worldwide, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mission to Seafarers have, so far, raised over £450,000 of its £600,000 target which will deliver a range of significant benefits to seafarers, many of whom are either on vastly extended contracts, or unable to reach their ships.
Seafarers UK, which has recently released £2m from its reserves to assist COVID-19 related activities, has donated a total of £114,000. This includes £38,000 towards the Digital Chaplaincy platform, ensuring seafarers have access to help 24/7 as well as supporting the adaptation to Seafarers Centres with a £40,000 donation to ensure seafarers are able to utilise port facilities as lockdown eases.
In addition, a further £36,000 has helped feed unemployed seafarers and their families in Tuticorin, India. The Grimaldi Foundation has also generously donated £60,000 to the Flying Angel Campaign general fund to be used where it is most needed.
Currently, there are growing concerns over the impact on their mental health and wellbeing which will become increasingly evident in the coming months. In response, the Mission is focusing on improving connectivity to reduce isolation, both onboard and on shore, protecting port teams with PPE and re-equipping the 121 Flying Angel Centres.
The Mission is also providing Mi-Fi units to ships in ports to ensure seafarers can contact loved ones and have access to digital chaplaincy services. The significant donations from these organisations, along with other companies yet to be announced, will assist in accelerating the progress with this campaign and making a real difference to those on the front line.
Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive for Seafarers UK, stated:
Seafarers are at the heart of everything the Mission does, and they listen to those they support, using that knowledge to deliver meaningful support. Seafarers UK trusts our delivery partners with grants for core costs, learning from their expertise and judgement to jointly develop services which meet the needs of seafarers
