Minibuses donated to Immingham and Felixstowe Ports
Zodiac Maritime provides minibuses to Sailors’ Society for visiting seafarers
The ports of Felixstowe and Immingham are to benefit from the donation of two new minibuses by generous shipping agent Zodiac Maritime.
The buses have been received by international charity, Sailors’ Society, which supports seafarers all over the world, including those visiting the local ports.
Jan Webber, Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the Sailors’ Society, based in Southampton, explained: “Seafarers, many from developing countries, often spend up to 12 months at sea and their families rely on their income to survive. Time ashore is limited due to modern technology and quick turnaround times in docks, so the new minibuses will ensure that seafarers’ time is spent wisely, giving them access to make telephone calls to loved ones and to stock up on amenities.”
Jan added: “We are really grateful to Zodiac Maritime for their support and as a sign of our gratitude the company logo features on the newly-purchased minibuses. Zodiac Maritime has a strong presence in Immingham and Felixstowe and I have no doubt that their generosity will benefit some of their own seafarers when they visit the UK.”
Mark Rawson, Quality, Safety and Environmental Manager for Zodiac Maritime said: “We take our corporate and social responsibilities very seriously and are delighted to support such a worthwhile cause such as the Sailors’ Society. We recognise the work the charity puts in to making things more bearable for seafarers, particularly in ports and in times of need. We’re delighted that we can contribute to this work with the purchase and maintenance of the two minibuses and look forward to them being of value to the two port communities.”
The Sailors’ Society has also had minibuses, being used in the Philippines, sponsored by Pacific Basin Shipping. Two minibuses have been purchased for seafarers visiting Manila and the charity is also looking for sponsors for minibuses in South America, where much-needed work is being progressed by Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains in many ports in the region.
Anyone interested in potentially supporting the Sailors’ Society with sponsorship of minibuses, or who would like to get involved in one of many other ways should contact Helen Alexander, Trust and Corporate Fundraiser on +44 (0)23 8051 5959 or email halexander@sailors-society.org
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