Shipping industry commits to raising $1 million USD for Mercy Ships in 2018
Wednesday 12 September 2018: Mercy Ships Cargo Day, an annual event established by the worldwide shipping community in 2016, has announced a $1 million USD target goal for 2018.
The event, held October 3, provides the opportunity for the shipping and trading community around the world to donate 50 percent of its commission on cargoes (Mercy Cargoes) or to make a direct financial contribution to Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest private hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, staffed by volunteers who provide free life-changing surgeries in Africa.
In addition to the more than 2,000 surgeries they will perform in Guinea during the current field service, Africa Mercy volunteers will provide mentoring and training for African health care providers, leaving a lasting legacy.
Last year, Mercy Ships Cargo Day raised more than $672,000 USD from 84 participants, including charterers, ship owners, shipbrokers, port agents and service companies. These funds helped provide 2,746 surgeries and training to over 1,400 local health care professionals.
To date, more than $1 million has been raised by the shipping industry, which began the initiative with a desire to see more lives transformed through the work of Mercy Ships.
This year, U.S. shipping companies AET, BRS, Stena Bulk, Teekay Shipping and Valero have agreed to partner with Mercy Ships for Cargo Day.
European shipping companies already committed include Augusta, Clearlake, Eiger Shipping, Nyala, Sahara, Socar Trading, Total, Trafigura, BRS, Riverlake, Ocean, Lotus, Clarksons Platou, Galbraith’s, ST Shipping & Transport, TPT, Star Sardinia and Integra Petrochemicals.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of these amazing companies whose dedication allows Mercy Ships to deploy our hospital ship to some of the most impoverished nations in Africa to bring hope and healing to those in most need,” said Alan Burrell, managing director of Mercy Ships Australia.
Cargo Day volunteers are challenging Australian shipping companies to get involved by pledging their support at MercyShipsCargoDay.org.
“This year, with the possible addition of Australian partners, our lasting impact in the nations we serve will be even greater.”
Watch the Mercy Ships Cargo Day video at bit.ly/CargoDay2018Video
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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
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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