Samantha Clarke

Samantha brings a natural warmth and a deep, lifelong passion for community to her role as Victorian Ambassador for Mercy Ships. Her commitment to serving others began remarkably early, inspired by her father who had her engaged in fundraising and charity work from the age of four. Indeed, Samantha’s dad still shares the story that she brought in record donations the very first time she door-knocked with her pigtails! With over two decades of experience, Samantha possesses a unique gift for helping people feel truly seen, valued, and connected to a shared purpose.

Her career journey has always been about building meaningful relationships that bring about positive change. From leading national networks and managing significant membership growth, even working for an Australian Prime Minister, to supporting not-for-profit organisations and championing local initiatives (including dedicated service on various school and community committees), Samantha’s focus has consistently been on bringing people together. She genuinely believes that “service to others is the most rewarding thing you can do,” and it’s this core philosophy that extraordinary things happen when people unite for a common cause that so profoundly drew her to Mercy Ships. Recognising that an estimated five billion people worldwide lack access to safe surgery, Samantha was compelled by the organisation’s direct and powerful response to this global crisis.

“Being part of this work isn’t just a privilege; it’s a truly moving experience,” Samantha shares. “To witness a life completely transformed by compassionate surgery, and then to share that incredible story with others who care deeply about humanity – that’s the kind of work that stays with you, especially when you see the immense global impact Mercy Ships creates every single day.” To date, Mercy Ships volunteer crews have performed over 110,000 life-changing surgical procedures, from correcting cleft lips and palates to removing tumours and restoring sight, all free of charge to the patient.

Drawing on her years living in Norway, Samantha cherishes the simple, yet profound, act of connecting authentically over a warm cup of coffee, a tradition she happily continues in Melbourne. She’s always open for a heartfelt conversation, believing these moments are where true understanding and collaborative ideas naturally begin.

Residing by the vibrant Melbourne coast with her husband, two children, and their spirited dog Domino, Samantha’s personal life beautifully reflects her professional passion. Domino, with his cheeky antics, and her children, often remind her that joy and connection can be found in life’s simplest moments. Whether she’s sharing experiences with women in her local walking group or connecting with dedicated Mercy Ships supporters, her unwavering belief in the power of community shines through. She would genuinely welcome the opportunity to connect with you and share more about the life-changing work of Mercy Ships.

Ways You Can Help

Mercy Ships is deeply committed to addressing both the immediate needs and the root causes of suffering. Beyond direct surgery, they focus on creating long-term, self-sustaining healthcare systems by training local medical professionals, having trained more than 50,900 professionals to date. This incredible work, driven by our volunteer medical teams and a cost-effective approach, ensures transparent and efficient use of resources. This commitment to tangible results is something we value immensely, and we know it’s equally important to our supporters.

If you are inspired to join this mission and become part of our compassionate, purpose-driven community, there are several meaningful ways to get involved. Financial contributions are always deeply appreciated to help save lives. You can also make a difference by hosting an event, sharing our story to raise awareness, or exploring business and corporate partnerships to donate supplies or support our mission in other impactful ways. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn how your support can help transform lives through Mercy Ships.

You can contact Samantha via: [email protected]