Together, the team handed out 1200 Christmas hampers to seafarers aboard 57 ships in the Ports of Dampier, Port Walcott and Cape Preston in the Western Australian region.
Seafarers work under some of the toughest conditions, facing daily challenges like no other workplace. With conditions for seafarers made even more difficult over the last year due to COVID-19, the small act of kindness was particularly well received.
One captain was so delighted he emailed to thank AMSA.
‘Thanks for your lovely presents, which give the crew a warm-hearted Christmas. Nobody expects Santa Claus was…. AMSA,’ he wrote.
‘All [the] crew members screamed out “Wow! … AMSA Claus is coming to town”.’
He said that after the tough year they had experienced in 2020, the hampers went a long way to lifting their spirits and increasing their hopes for 2021.
AMSA is an active member of the West Pilbara Port Welfare Association—a non-for-profit organisation that supports the welfare and mental health of seafarers visiting West Pilbara Ports.
The West Pilbara Port Welfare Association put many volunteer hours into planning, collecting and packing the Christmas hampers that included food, Australian souvenirs, Christmas items and toiletries to help the seafarers remember their visit to West Australian shores over the festive season. Many thanks to those who donated money, goods and time.
Find more information and support for seafarers [1].