Supporting Seafarers in Newfoundland and Labrador & Beyond
Did you know that 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea?
At Mission to Seafarers Canada
We take pride in being the trusted support network for seafarers arriving at ports across Canada, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador. Seafarers often face long stretches at sea, feeling isolated and far from home. Through your generosity, we provide the essential care, respond to countless spiritual, emotional, and physical needs, and provide a human connection that makes a difference in their lives.
2024 Milestone
Impact Beyond Numbers
Behind each number is a meaningful story: a crew member able to call home thanks to a SIM card we provided, or a seafarer who hadn’t set foot on land for weeks finally stepping ashore. Our impact goes beyond numbers; it’s about human connection and making seafarers feel seen, valued, and cared for. As the maritime industry evolves with disruptions, strikes, and shifting global tides, our mission remains constant: to stand by those who keep global trade moving. With 10 stations and growing, we are committed to providing unwavering support to seafarers across Canada.
But we need your continued support to ensure we can keep serving those who need us most.
Will you join us? Your generosity ensures that when the next ship arrives, we’ll be ready, armed with warmth, resources, and a simple message: You are not alone.
Mission to Seafarers
The Mission to Seafarers operates in over 200 ports across 50+ countries, delivering vital support through ship visits, seafarers’ centres, mental health services, family outreach, and emergency care. Our Flying Angel Campaign 2025 highlights our global commitment to evolving welfare needs, mental health challenges, and inclusive care.
Key Areas of Global Support:
Face-to-Face Ship Visiting
Emotional, spiritual, and crisis support to crews in port.
Seafarers' Centre Upgrades
Creating modern, safe spaces for rest and recreation
Mental Health & Crisis Response
Life-saving interventions with SafeTALK and CISM training.
Digital Innovation
Tools like the Happy at Sea app and Ship Visitor software improve communication.
Diversity & Inclusion
Hiring female ship visitors and supporting marginalized seafarers.
Regional Impact Highlights
Highlights
East Asia: Major hubs in Singapore, Busan, and the Philippines.
Middle East & South Asia: Growing chaplaincy in Bahrain, Colombo, and India.
Africa: Expanded support in Durban and Mombasa, including solar, transport, and digital upgrades.
Europe: Centers in Rotterdam, Rouen, and Tilbury with a focus on female seafarers.
More Highlights
Latin America: Renewed programs in Brazil, Argentina, and Costa Rica.
USA & Canada: Expanding with:
New Canadian Regional Director to unify operations
Regional Fundraising Manager to drive donor engagement
Oceania & Australia: Supporting crews in 29 Pacific ports.
Projected Impact in Newfoundland and Labrador: Making a Difference in Our First Year
Our Newfoundland and Labrador initiative is poised for growth, and with your help, we can make a significant impact. Here are our realistic goals for the first year of operations based on the St. John’s Port Authority 2024 report and the seafarer traffic forecast for the region.
Goals
Ship Visits: 500 Visits in Year 1
Projected Number of Ships Visited: 500
● Average Seafarers per Ship: 20-25
● Total Number of Seafarers Impacted:
10,000–12,500
Every visit will provide essential support like SIM cards, toiletries, snacks, and emotional care through our team of chaplains and volunteers. These visits will be a lifeline for seafarers in need of a connection while in port.
Goals
Seafarers’ Centers Serving 12,500 Seafarers
● Total Seafarers Served in Year 1: 12,500
● Key Services Provided:
Free Wi-Fi and phone charging
Comfortable lounges with snacks and drinks
With local information, support resources, and volunteer assistance, the seafarers’ centers will serve as safe, welcoming spaces for rest and connection. Here, seafarers can recharge and reconnect with loved ones before they head back to sea.
The seafarers’ centers will serve as safe, welcoming spaces for rest and connection. Here, seafarers can recharge and reconnect with loved ones before they head back to sea.
Goals
Mental Health & Crisis Support Reaching 1,000 Seafarers
● Seafarers Reached with Mental Health Support: 1,000
● Number of Crisis Interventions Provided: 100
● Emergency Support Available 24/7: Yes
Life at sea can be stressful, and we are committed to offering confidential emotional support and mental health services to seafarers who may be facing challenges. Our team will be available for crisis interventions, referrals, and 24/7 emergency resources.
Goals
Transportation Assistance Facilitating 2,000 Rides
● Total Number of Rides Provided: 2,000
● Key Destinations Supported:
Local stores (Walmart, pharmacies, convenience shops)
Personal shopping for essentials.
We will ensure that seafarers who can go ashore can get the essentials they need, from toiletries to transportation, to make their time in port as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Goals
Community & Volunteer Engagement: Building Local Networks
● Number of Volunteers Trained: 50
● Number of Corporate Partners Engaged: 5
● Community Outreach Events: 10 In our first year, we aim to build a robust network of volunteers and corporate partners to ensure long-term sustainability. Through training programs and local outreach, we will foster community involvement to support our mission.
In our first year, we aim to build a robust network of volunteers and corporate partners to ensure long-term sustainability. Through training programs and local outreach, we will foster community involvement to support our mission.
Funding and Support Needs: Help Us Reach Our Goals
To achieve these ambitious goals, we are seeking $500,000 in startup capital for the first year.
Programs You Can Support
Your gift will directly contribute to one or more of the following impactful programs:
● Ship Visits: Delivering onboard care and essential services to seafarers, right where they work and live at sea.
● Seafarers’ Centers Activities: Offering a safe, welcoming space on land for rest, recreation, and connection—a home away from home.
● Mental Health & Crisis Support: Providing emotional and psychological support to seafarers facing stress, isolation, and emergencies
● Transportation Assistance: Ensuring access to local stores, services, and places of worship through safe and reliable transport options.
● Community & Volunteer Engagement: Mobilizing local volunteers and building partnerships to create a strong support network for visiting seafarers.
