Global charity Mercy Ships provides free, world-class health care to those with little access to medical services in impoverished, developing countries through its of fleet hospital ships such as the Africa Mercy. Ulrich, who had an operation to straighten his legs, and Valerie, who had a tumor removed onboard the Africa Mercy, both benefitted from these free, life-changing surgeries.

Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion and treating more than 2.56 million direct beneficiaries.

Today the organization announced that its Mercy Ships Cargo Day Annual Event has set a $1 million target goal for 2018.

The event, which will be held on October 3, 2018, will provide the shipping and trading community worldwide the opportunity to donate 50 percent of its commission on cargoes (Mercy Cargoes) or to make a direct financial contribution to Mercy Ships.

Last year, Mercy Ships Cargo Day raised more than $672,000 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 healthcare 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 Russ Holmes, Director of Corporate Development at Mercy Ships. “This year, with the addition of North American partners, our lasting impact in the nations we serve will be even greater.”

The Africa Mercy is crewed by 400 volunteers from up to 40 nations. In addition to the more than 2,000 surgeries, they will perform in Guinea during the current field service, Africa Mercy volunteers will also provide mentoring and training for African healthcare providers, leaving a lasting legacy.

 

 
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August 29th, 2018

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