Sailors' Society dinner in Hong Kong raises funds for poor seafarers
THE Hong Kong shipping community turned out in force and dug deep to support the second Sailors' Society gala fundraising dinner held in aid of merchant seafarers suffering hardship around the world.
An 'e-pledge' contest on the night raised HKD250,000 (US$32,000), enough to sustain the charity's ship-visiting chaplain in Manila with his work with seafarers and families in the metropolitan area for an entire year.
In addition, sponsorship and general fundraising through auctions on the evening topped HKD1 million (US$129,000) to help fund similar Sailors' Society welfare projects round the globe.
"Once again, we were overwhelmed on the night by the incredible response from the Hong Kong shipping community who donated some serious money, despite the downturn in the maritime sector. Their generosity boosts our operating funds and means we can continue our vital work to support seafarers in need around the world," said Robert Adams, outgoing CEO of the Sailors' Society.
Donors from Gulf Oil Marine also used the event to launch the formation of its long-term relationship with the charity in order to create a support channel to better assist seafarer at a critical time. As a start, it is funding sets of 'emergency care packs' for seafarers hospitalised at short-notice while on overseas contract.
The Sailors' Society provides a wide spectrum of support services, including ship-visiting, provision of welfare support to seafarers and their families, faith support, and when in dire need, financial help. Founded in 1818, it is a not-for-profit Christian Society present at many ports worldwide where its professional chaplains and volunteers assist thousands of merchant seafarers each year.
THE Hong Kong shipping community turned out in force and dug deep to support the second Sailors' Society gala fundraising dinner held in aid of merchant seafarers suffering hardship around the world.
An 'e-pledge' contest on the night raised HKD250,000 (US$32,000), enough to sustain the charity's ship-visiting chaplain in Manila with his work with seafarers and families in the metropolitan area for an entire year.
In addition, sponsorship and general fundraising through auctions on the evening topped HKD1 million (US$129,000) to help fund similar Sailors' Society welfare projects round the globe.
"Once again, we were overwhelmed on the night by the incredible response from the Hong Kong shipping community who donated some serious money, despite the downturn in the maritime sector. Their generosity boosts our operating funds and means we can continue our vital work to support seafarers in need around the world," said Robert Adams, outgoing CEO of the Sailors' Society.
Donors from Gulf Oil Marine also used the event to launch the formation of its long-term relationship with the charity in order to create a support channel to better assist seafarer at a critical time. As a start, it is funding sets of 'emergency care packs' for seafarers hospitalised at short-notice while on overseas contract.
The Sailors' Society provides a wide spectrum of support services, including ship-visiting, provision of welfare support to seafarers and their families, faith support, and when in dire need, financial help. Founded in 1818, it is a not-for-profit Christian Society present at many ports worldwide where its professional chaplains and volunteers assist thousands of merchant seafarers each year.