by Susan Huppert, NAMMA
The Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is noted as one of the most impressive natural harbors in the world. Economically, its development provides depth of support to its local markets and to the entire province. The Canadian port welcomes the world’s largest shipping lines, connecting it to more than 150 countries. It offers the deepest berth on the East Coast of North America, according to its website.
It is a significant port for cruise lines. The development of Piers 20 to 23 appeals as a new waterfront destination to cruisers and visitors, as the 2024 cruise season continues to be one of the busiest yet. Mission to Seafarers outreach is a significant facet of this port—a not-for-profit outreach where volunteers and staff maintain best practices as they meet the increasing number of seafarers they serve.
Recently, the port received the 2015 Port of the Year award from the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network. A port is often measured from a business perspective by the volume of cargo it exchanges or the number of vessels it welcomes. In contrast, the ISWAN award distinguishes the Halifax port for exhibiting a notable concern for the welfare of those who man the ships, who give up family and home to serve the global economy.
Welfare is at the heart of Mission to Seafarers in the Port of Halifax. As one of more than 200 such missions in over 50 countries, their focus is on concern for and care of those making their living at sea. Through its staff and volunteers, the mission provides vital support, offering practical and emotional assistance as well as spiritual guidance. For them, seafarers’ welfare is paramount every day of each month, year after year. That is why Christmas matters to them.
Ship Welfare Volunteer John Attersley served as a seafarer and identifies with the life away from home.
“Many will be at sea for Christmas,” said Attersley. “It can be a lot of lonely nights.”
The Halifax mission engages more than 30 dedicated volunteers, with many currently preparing for the Christmas season. As December approaches, more willing hearts—from medical personnel to delivery drivers—will connect around the common goal of caring for seafarers. The efficient subdivision of tasks ensures each seafarer receives a gift. Some volunteers fill boxes, others wrap gifts or deliver them to eager crews. Ministry partners who pull alongside vessels during the holiday experience firsthand the joyful reception as Christmas gifts are lugged up gangways to the delight of those onboard.
“It’s satisfying to know they will have a gift to open,” said Attersley. “Christmas can be a bit of a low point. The gift means someone cares about them. It perks them up.”
During 2023, the Halifax mission gave more than 1,200 shoeboxes containing mittens, hand-knit scarves, socks, hygiene items, candy, playing cards, and more to the international seafarers calling at Halifax.
“We have hundreds of women who knit scarves for our Christmas shoeboxes,” said Mission Manager Helen Glenn.
Last season, volunteer Sandy Collins personally knit over 3,400 scarves for seafarers she would never meet.
Attersley recalls his own meaningful MtS visits as a seafarer in ports of Dubai and Rotterdam. Now in his eighth year with MtS, he boards ships to greet others at Christmas and throughout the year. The Halifax mission has recorded 433 ship visits so far this year, 1,400 transports, and 1,750 visits to the center.
“Being able to see smiles on faces when they come in to communicate with their families (electronically) is a nice thing to see,” he said.
In light of his dedication, Attersley was recently granted the Peter G. Bernard Volunteer Award by the International Sailors’ Society Canada. This recognition is given for generously contributing one’s time to support the welfare of seafarers.
The top-notch leadership, dedicated staff, committed sponsors, and devoted volunteer crew continue to maintain a significant outreach in their port, especially as they prepare for another season of Christmas giving.
