International seafaring charity the Sailors’ Society is asking people to spare a thought for those away from their homes and families this Christmas.
It has launched a poignant Christmas appeal, ‘Beyond the call of duty - Going the extra mile’, highlighting the isolation and loneliness felt by seafarers, who can be away from their families for months at a time, including over the festive period.
Director of marketing and fundraising for the Sailors’ Society, Jan Webber explained, ‘Imagine what it must be like to be on the high seas at Christmas, thinking of family and friends gathered together for the festive celebrations without you. An empty seat often emphasises the fact that you are not there. You think of the excitement as your children go to bed on Christmas Eve, full of anticipation of the coming morning and presents to open. You think of your wife, organising the family, food and gifts. You are not there to share the pleasures or shoulder these responsibilities.’
The worldwide network of Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains support seafarers within the port community and at sea, often helping seafarers to contact their loved ones and offering guidance in unfamiliar surroundings and supporting them spiritually. It is the Port Chaplains who often go the ‘extra mile’ for the seafarers whose job can often be ‘beyond the call of duty’.
Port Chaplains can even be found visiting ships dressed as Santa Claus on Christmas Day, bringing a smile to seafarers at what can be a very difficult time of year.
Jan Webber added: ‘Our Christmas campaign, 'Beyond the call of duty - Going the extra mile’, encourages the acts of kindness that can actually make the difference to these seafarers’ lives.
‘They aren’t expecting help or support but when they haven’t been able to speak to their wives or children for months on end or arrive in a foreign country where they don’t speak the language. A smiling face with the offer of a telephone and a cup of tea really does make all the difference to them. It’s that unexpected kindness that we are supporting and encouraging this Christmas.’
Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains operate in 30 different countries and in almost 100 ports globally and are funded by donations to the Sailors’ Society.
Two million seafarers, many from developing countries, help to transport goods around the world and with shipping turnaround times quicker now thanks to modern technology, seafarers spend more time at sea than ever before.
To find out more information about the Sailors’ Society and to find out how to donate to their ‘Beyond the call of duty - Going the extra mile’ Christmas campaign, helping Port Chaplains support seafarers, visit www.sailors-society.org or call +44 (0)23 8051 5950.
