Tuesday 1 May 2018: Australian volunteers like Buderim nurse Karen Binns have worked tirelessly to deliver nearly 3,000 life-changing surgeries on board the Africa Mercy hospital ship since it berthed in Cameroon in August 2017.
This has been the first time Mercy Ships has visited Cameroon, which is one of the least developed countries in the world and where there are only eight doctors per 100,000 people.
“Our big white hospital ship is their only hope,” Mrs Binns said.
Now Mercy Ships is asking for your help to raise awareness and funds to support their work in Africa by participating in Mercy May.
“This Mercy May, we’re aiming to raise enough funds to deliver 1,500 surgical miracles of hope and healing on board our hospital ship,” explained Mercy Ships Australia’s managing director, Alan Burrell.
Mercy Ships, founded in 1978, has worked tirelessly to combat the global surgery crisis of 5 billion people without access to safe surgery.
The Africa Mercy docked in the port city of Douala in Cameroon with plans to provide life-changing surgeries on board, to treat patients at a land-based dental clinic, as well as providing health care training to local medical professionals.
“Mercy May is a great way for people to share the Mercy Ships story with their friends and help save lives in Africa at the same time,” Mrs Binns added.
“Your involvement with Mercy May, no matter how big or small, will make a vital difference.”
Register your interest in hosting a Mercy May event by contacting the Mercy Ships Australia national office on 1300 739 899 or visit www.mercymay.org.au.
“We are incredibly grateful to our fantastic supporters and volunteers. Their generosity is what helps us provide life-changing surgeries in Cameroon,” Mr Burrell concluded.
END
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development aid to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, with more than 2.56 million direct beneficiaries. Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations serve with Mercy Ships. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. Mercy Ships Australia, one of 16 international support offices, is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. For more information, visit www.mercyships.org.au
About Mercy May
Mercy May aims to raise awareness and funds to deliver 1,500 life-changing surgeries in sub-Saharan Africa. 100% of all funds raised go directly toward on board surgery. Fundraising events can be of any size and held at any time during May. Mercy Ships will provide everything else needed to host an event, such as invitations, brochures and other materials to help make your Mercy May event a great success.
Register your interest in hosting a Mercy May event by contacting the Mercy Ships Australia national office on 1300 739 899 or visit www.mercymay.org.au.
For further information, please contact:
Melissa Mason
National Office Manager
Mercy Ships Australia
(07) 5437 2992
[email protected]
High resolution photos are available upon request, with attribution to Mercy Ships.
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