MERCY SHIPS CHARITY DINNER | All Hands on Deck

Zeebrugge, October 20, 2023

On Friday, October 20, SEABRIDGE participated in the Mercy Ships Charity Dinner – an inspiring event that took place in the ABC building in Zeebrugge.
​This initiative -spearheaded by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, holds a special place in our hearts as it aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

SEABRIDGE is honoured to have been a part of this inspiring evening and remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that bring positive change to those who need it the most. As a company deeply rooted in the logistics industry, we understand the importance of connecting communities and fostering a spirit of collaboration for the greater good.

The Mercy Ships Charity Dinner event brought together various companies in and around the port of Antwerp-Bruges; a large community all rallying behind the noble cause of supporting Mercy Ships. As participants, we found inspiration in each other and contributed to a shared story of kindness—one that brings hope and healing to the most underserved communities. The impact of this collective effort extends far beyond what one might initially perceive.

Being a participant and supporter, we had the opportunity to inspire one another, creating a ripple effect of positive change. The stories shared at the Charity Dinner illuminated important work of Mercy Ships, illustrating how a unified community can make a substantial difference in the lives of the less fortunate. It was a powerful reminder that, by joining forces, we can amplify the impact of our individual contributions.

MERCY SHIPS | Floating Hospitals, Vessels of Hope

The aid organisation Mercy Ships works to give people in Africa better access to healthcare, they provide first class medical care to the poorest people to give them a new chance in life.

Mercy Ships use hospital ships, because over 50% of the world population live less than 150 km from a coast.

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has had one to three ships in service. Currently, the Mercy Ships fleet consists out of two hospital ships; the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy.
These hospital ships -real floating villages- are powered by an average of 3.000 professional volunteers representing 60 nations each year: technicians, seafarers, maintenance and administrative staff, surgeons, anaesthesists, doctors and nurses, cooks, teachers, photographers, receptionists. The medical department represents 50% of the crew on board.

Mercy Ships operates with volunteer professionals who pay their travel and housing costs so the organisation can channel over 75% of the donations to their programs.

Have Mercy and Do Something with it

We feel connected to Mercy Ships on many levels: compassion is a virtue. But compassion alone will not help anyone. Fortunately, Mercy Ships knows what it’s doing. With compassion they load their ships, as well as the people and equipment you need if you want to bring about change. The mission of Mercy Ships supports one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we at SEABRIDGE endorse as well: healthcare and medicine (SDG 3).

Mercy Ships go straight to where their equipment, crew and expertise can make a difference. The organisation is a great example of what we want to achieve with our sustainability strategy and donations: using our expertise to make a real, noticeable impact in the places where we can really make a difference. But also to show our customers how specific investments and donations make an important contribution to shaping a better world.

MERCY SHIPS Charity Dinner, Zeebrugge | Sharing Stories

Catherine Vandewaeter, a dedicated volunteer and anesthesiologist, captured the essence of the evening by describing it as “food for the soul.” A beautiful story to share and support.

SEABRIDGE extends its gratitude to the Port for launching and championing this inspiring initiative in Zeebrugge. The port’s commitment to social responsibility has provided us with the inspiration to shine a light on the needs of the most vulnerable among us.

Let this event serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that when we come together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity for a better tomorrow.

NOTES, KUDO’S, CREDITS & INSPO

Mercy Ships

Port of Antwerp Bruges