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December 2023
Dear Supporter,
Greetings and welcome to the December edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter!
While Christmas is a time traditionally spent with family, many seafarers will find themselves thousands of miles away from home during the festive period. For some seafaring families, financial concerns may cast a shadow over the joy of the season. Our Christmas Appeal has been launched to provide crucial support to those seafarers who are facing hardships this winter.
In this edition of Seapost, you'll also discover the impactful results of your support in 2023, details on our upcoming challenge events and much more.
Please take note that The Seafarers' Charity's office will be closed from 23 December to 2 January. Our staff team is looking forward to a well-deserved break to recharge after a busy 2023 and prepare for what promises to be another exciting and busy year.
We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support and hope you thoroughly enjoy reading this edition of Seapost.
Wishing you a joyous festive season and a fantastic New Year!
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
Support struggling seafarers this Christmas
As we embrace the festive season, we invite you to join us in honouring our brave seafarers, many of whom will be away from their loved ones this Christmas, whilst serving our needs at sea.
This time of year can be particularly challenging for seafaring families. Financial worries may overshadow the joy of the season and the challenges of ageing alone after a lifetime of service at sea can make the holidays difficult for some, whilst coping with long-term illness and injury may be a burden for others. Worryingly, this year has seen a steep rise in the number of seafaring families falling into food poverty, fuel debt and even facing homelessness.
Your donation today can make a significant impact, ensuring that our seafarers receive the assistance they need to alleviate their hardships. Every contribution, no matter the size, will be directed where the need is greatest, providing support to both current and retired seafarers, as well as their families, who are facing crisis during this holiday season and beyond.
Partnership funding supports development of Safer Waves
On the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, The Seafarers’ Charity, UK P&I Club and TK Foundation have joined forces to commit three years of funding for the next stage of development of Safer Waves.
The commitment of three years of partnership funding will provide stability for the charity as it moves to the next stage of its development and employs their first member of staff to help them meet the growing demand for their support services.
Prize for Maritime Safety Week competition winners
On 30 November, in Ryde, Isle Of Wight, Deborah Layde, Chief Executive at The Seafarers' Charity, presented the first prize of £500 to Hovertravel Ltd, the winners of The Seafarers' Charity 2023 Safety Drill Competition.
The fantastic crews at Hovertravel decided to donate the money to their chosen charity - a new organisation working with Ryde Town Council and raising money to make the beautiful Ryde Beach on the Isle Of Wight more accessible for all, including wheelchair users.
The impact of our loyal supporters' donations
Thanks to the incredible support of our loyal donors, in 2023, we awarded 67 grants totalling £2.4m to support 50 organisations. This grant funding supports some of the largest and most well-known maritime charities, as well as some impactful newcomers, in the UK and internationally.
Each grant application is assessed against our 5 strategic outcomes that are focused on improving the safety and well-being of seafarers and their families. We work closely with our Delivery Partners to ensure your donations are making a true impact where the need is the greatest.
How you shop matters
Are you still looking for those last-minute Christmas presents or planning to treat yourself to some bargains in the sale?
Your online shopping can support seafarers in need and their families at no cost to you. Shop online with EasyFundraising and The Giving Machine to make your deals count.
New year, new challenge!
We still have a limited number of charity places available for both the 2024 TCS London Marathon and 24 Peaks Challenge. Whether your New Year resolution is to get back in shape or push your boundaries, join #TeamSeafarersKGFS and help raise funds to support seafarers and their families in need.
Season's greetings
As the year comes to a close, we’d like to express our gratitude to all our valued supporters who have contributed to our mission of making a positive impact for seafarers in need and their families. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving remarkable outcomes, and we are truly thankful for the difference you have made.
Thank you!
