ORGANISERS of Mercy Ships Cargo Day have announced a USD$1m target goal for 2018.

The event, held on 3 October, provides the global shipping and trading community the chance to donate 50% of commission on cargoes (Mercy Cargoes) or to make a direct financial contribution to Mercy Ships.

Mercy Ships runs the world’s largest private hospital ship, Africa Mercy, staffed by volunteers who provide free surgeries in Africa.

As well as thousands of surgeries they are to perform in Guinea during the current field service, Africa Mercy volunteers are to provide mentoring and training for African health care providers, with a view to leaving a lasting legacy.

Mercy Ships Cargo Day raised more than USD$672,000  from 84 participants last year, including from charterers, ship owners, shipbrokers, port agents and service companies.

This money funds helped provide 2746 surgeries and train more than 1400 local health care professionals.

“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,” managing director of Mercy Ships Australia Alan Burrell said.

Cargo Day volunteers are challenging Australian shipping companies to get involved by visiting MercyShipsCargoDay.org

“This year, with the possible addition of Australian partners, our lasting impact in the nations we serve will be even greater,” Mr Burrell said.

September 13th, 2018