A Gift of Christmas for Liverpool’s Visiting Seafarers: Join the 2025 Parcel Appeal
Liverpool Seafarers Centre is launching its appeal to local businesses, faith groups and the wider community for support with its 2025 Christmas Parcel Appeal. This vital initiative aims to spread festive cheer and offer a moment of warmth to the thousands of seafarers visiting the Port of Liverpool during the Christmas period.
The Backbone of Global Trade Deserve Our Support
Liverpool, one of the world's great ports, is a crucial hub for global trade, facilitating routes that bring in the essential goods, commodities—and yes, all the Christmas presents—we rely on. The dedicated seafarers who navigate these international waters are the unsung heroes of the global economy. Yet, their demanding jobs often mean months away from family and loved ones, leading to significant isolation and loneliness, particularly during Christmas—a time traditionally dedicated to togetherness and celebration.
This annual appeal is our chance to extend the famous Merseyside hospitality to those working tirelessly at sea, reminding them that they are valued and not forgotten.
Prioritising Mental Health at Christmas
John Wilson, Chief Executive of Liverpool Seafarers Centre, stresses the crucial link between this appeal and the mental health of the crew.
“The isolation, the long periods away from home, and the immense pressures of their work can take a serious toll, often leading to feelings of anxiety and depression,” John explains. “By providing a friendly face, a warm space at our centre, and a thoughtful Christmas gift bag, we offer a vital source of support during this special time of year. It’s more than just a gift; it’s a message that Liverpool cares.”
John is calling on all businesses and individuals to take pride in our city’s rich maritime heritage and uphold our reputation as the friendliest port in the world.
“Your support allows us to give these seafarers a sense of community and belonging when they feel most isolated,” he added. “Let’s work together to demonstrate that Liverpool is a city that stands by its values of kindness and support, especially during the festive season. We want to top the fantastic 1000 gift bags we distributed last year!”
How You Can Help
The Liverpool Seafarers Centre is seeking donations to fill the gift parcels that will be distributed to visiting seafarers from across the world during Christmas 2025.
We are looking for donations of:
Toiletries (e.g., small soaps, shower gels, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
Confectionery (e.g., small chocolate bars, sweets)
Warm Clothing (New hats, gloves, and scarves)
Stocking Fillers (e.g., playing cards, small notebooks and pens, puzzle books)
Branded Merchandise (Businesses are welcome to include small, branded items)
Monetary Donations towards purchasing the items listed above.
You can also make an incredible difference by volunteering your time to help with the sorting and packing of the parcels.
To donate items, volunteer your time, or learn more about supporting the Liverpool Seafarers Centre, please get in touch using the details below.
Contact & Donation Information
Tel: 0300 800 8080
Email: admin@liverpoolseafarerscentre.org
Visit or postal donations to: Liverpool Seafarers Centre 20 Crosby Road South Liverpool, Merseyside, L22 1RQ
