Port Saint John and the Seafarers’ Mission collaborate for seafarer gift drive
SAINT JOHN (N.B.) - As Saint Johnners continue with their annual holiday shopping, the men and women who are responsible for the movement of those goods are working hard to make sure those gifts (and much more) get to their final destination. The workers who are responsible for the maritime movement of goods aboard vessels are referred to as seafarers, and they are a critical component of our economy and society. They live a hard life aboard ships so that we can continue to receive all the goods that make up our economy such as food, oil, construction materials and much more.
The Saint John Seafarer’s Mission is an organization that supports the seafarers visiting the Port of Saint John. Whether it is simply a place to get away from the routines on board ship, to having a safe and secure place to make a call home, or to obtain assistance with a personal matter, the Saint John Seafarers’ Mission is a much needed and valuable resource. Each year they organize a gift drive for the seafarers in port over the holidays. In 2021, the port saw over 22,000 seafarers, assuming the average of 24 crew per ship and 919 ships.
Welcomed items include:
Toiletries: shampoo, body wash, soap, shave cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, mouth wash, deodorant, disposable razors, lip balm, comb, hand/body lotion, sanitizer, tissues
Warm Items: gloves, socks, scarf, toque
“A Little Something Extra”: playing cards, game book, notepad, pen, Canada souvenir (pin/magnet/keychain), candy, (individually wrapped), chocolate bars, chips, gum, etc.
Holiday cards
The public is advised to leave the gifts unwrapped as they must be inspected before going aboard a ship. Donations can be dropped off at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal (111 Water Street, Saint John) using the corporate office entrance facing Water Street, weekdays between 12:00pm – 4:00pm or on the weekends anytime.
About Port Saint John: Port Saint John is Atlantic Canada’s largest port by tonnage and has a diverse cargo base, including dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, containers, and cruise.
Media contact: Jane Burchill, Communications & Sustainability Specialist, jburchill@sjport.com, (506)343-3707