V.Group donates £2200 to support The Mission to Seafarers

This Christmas, V.Group has chosen to support international seafarer welfare charity The Mission to Seafarers by donating £2200 to help with its global network of welfare support services.

The cheque was presented to the Mission’s Secretary General, the Revd Canon Andrew Wright, by Ian El-Mokadem, V.Group CEO, at the charity’s London office.

The Mission to Seafarers operates a global network spanning over 200 ports and 50 countries, providing support and emergency assistance to seafarers and their families, regardless of rank, nationality or beliefs.

Last year the Mission conducted around 65,000 ship visits, encountering around 325,000 men and women and offering support where it was needed. In addition, the Mission welcomed 580,000 seafarers to its 121 seafarers’ centres, and carried out 895 justice, welfare and medical cases.

Speaking at the cheque giving ceremony, Ian El-Mokadem, V.Group CEO, said:

“In a time of great change for the shipping industry, it’s crucial that we continue to support and protect our seafarers, and ensure their needs, both practical and emotional, are being met.

“The work of The Mission to Seafarers is a vital piece in this jigsaw, given the essential role their global network of chaplains, colleagues and volunteers plays in providing seafarers around the globe with a place to relax, unwind and connect with their loved ones at the Mission’s port-based seafarer centres.

“Our donation today reflects our commitment to putting the seafarer at the heart of everything we do, and our support and gratitude to the Mission for their tremendous efforts in providing advocacy for the 1.5 million seafarers working in the industry today.”

The Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General at The Mission to Seafarers, commented:

“We are grateful to V.Group for their generosity today, and for their continued support of the Mission’s work. Their kind donation will go towards the running of our global welfare services in key maritime hubs, including our new support network in Panama.

“Our frontline colleagues are there for seafarers in times of need, and, in some cases, may be the only people vulnerable seafarers can turn to for support. However, without our supporters we would simply be unable to continue this vital work.

“We look forward to working together with V.Group on future initiatives and supporting them in their aim to transform crewing services and crew management on a worldwide scale.”

This month the Mission launched a Christmas campaign to raise awareness of the issues currently facing seafarers, particularly the loneliness many feel around the festive period as a result of being separated from their families and loved ones.

To make a donation, or to find out more about how you can help, please visit missiontoseafarers.org