A Gift of Christmas for Liverpool’s Visiting Seafarers: Join the Parcel Appeal
Liverpool Seafarers Centre distributing Christmas parcels to crew onboard a vessel visiting the Port of Liverpool in 2023.
The Liverpool Seafarers Centre is reaching out to local businesses and the wider community to support its annual Christmas Parcel Appeal, aimed at uplifting the spirits of seafarers visiting the Port of Liverpool during this festive season.
As one of the world’s major ports, Liverpool plays a crucial role in transporting goods across the world, facilitating trade routes spanning from the Americas to Asia. The seafarers who navigate these transatlantic and international waters are the backbone of the global economy, ensuring the movement of essential goods and commodities as well as all the presents that you’ll find under the tree this Christmas. The Seafarers Centre believes it is vital to extend our local hospitality to those who work tirelessly at sea.
Seafarers often spend months away from their families and loved ones, facing isolation and loneliness, as well as challenging working conditions such as the constant threat of piracy. Christmas time can be particularly challenging for them, as they are away from home during what is traditionally a time of togetherness and celebration. By donating items to their Christmas parcels, local businesses and individuals can help remind these maritime workers that they are not forgotten and that their well-being matters.
John Wilson, Chief Executive of Liverpool Seafarers Centre, emphasises the importance of prioritising their mental health.
He states, “Long periods away from family, combined with the immense pressures of their demanding jobs, can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. By providing them with a warm, welcoming space at our seafarers centre and thoughtful Christmas gifts, we can offer them much-needed support during this special time of year.”
John Wilson is encouraging businesses in Liverpool to take pride in our city’s rich maritime heritage and its reputation as the friendliest port in the world.
John said: “Your contributions will go a long way in showing seafarers that Liverpool cares. The Christmas Parcel Appeal is not just about providing gifts; it’s about creating a sense of community and belonging for those who often feel isolated. Together, we can demonstrate that Liverpool is a city that stands by its values of kindness and support, especially during the festive season.”
Liverpool Seafarers Centre is seeking donations of items such as toiletries, confectionery, warm clothing (hats, gloves), stocking fillers or donations towards purchasing these items. Businesses can also include items of branded merchandise. We aim to top last year’s target of 1000 gift bags which were distributed to visiting seafarers from across the world during Christmas week.
To donate items, volunteer your time, or learn more about supporting the Liverpool Seafarers Centre, please get in touch.
Tel: 0300 800 8080
Email: admin@liverpoolseafarerscentre.org
Visit or postal donations to: Liverpool Seafarers Centre, 20 Crosby Road South, Liverpool, Merseyside, L22 1RQ
