F lying Angel
MISSION TO SEAFARERS –
HALIFAX
Caring for seafarers around the world
Fall 2016
February
2015
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR
20th Annual Mission to Seafarers Golf
ANNUAL APPEAL!
Tournament at Avon Valley Golf Club
Dear Friends,
Earlier this year, during a routine visit to the ship “Asian
Emperor”, the Mission’s Seafarer Coordinator spotted a
seafarer who seemed to be in considerable pain. Maggie
approached the young Filipino officer and discovered that
he had slipped on the deck during mooring and fell hard
onto his right shoulder. Other than basic first aid, his shipmates were unsure what to do. Maggie, along with Alex,
one of the Mission’s dedicated volunteers, took the injured
seafarer to Dartmouth General Hospital and stayed with
him in Emergency while he was treated. He was very appreciative of Maggie and Alex’s help in navigating the hospital
procedures and comforted by their attendance while his
dislocated shoulder was manipulated back into place. He
was able to return to his ship and remain on limited duty so
that the support he provides his loved ones at home could
continue.
This is just one example of the how the Mission to
Jonathan Bouquet, Rick Edwards, Craig Lloyd, Dave Allen
Seafarers makes a real difference in the lives of seafarers passing through the Port of Halifax. Year after year,
the Mission provides them a special place of respite from
their ships. These men and women leave their families and
friends for months at a time on the ships that bring us the
goods we use every day. Their days at sea are long and
demanding and loneliness is common. So, when they call at
our Mission to access telephones and the internet to reconnect with loved ones, as well as taking in the warm hospitality of our staff and volunteers, or accessing our clothing
and book room, their spirits are lifted. For those seafarers
unable to leave their ships due to shortened port visits, the
Mission takes mobile phones to them so they are able to
telephone their families.
This work would not be possible without the generosity
of you, our loyal and enduring donors. Your financial support enables the Mission to continue its valuable ministry
of practical, emotional and spiritual support to all seafarers,
passing through our port, regardless of faith or background.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the
Halifax
Mission to Seafarers again this year, either by mail or
Darryl Emberley, Joan McLeod, Ruth Harding,
through our website at www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca.
Patrick Bohan
Kind regards, Sandra Attersley Chair, Board of Directors
Organized by extraordinary
volunteers Jonathan Bourque, Jim
Stoneman, Wayne Morrison, Alastair
Gray, Rick Edwards, and Pat Wilson,
the Mission’s 20th Annual Golf
Tournament raised over $26,000.
This signature event brings together
community partners for a day of
golf, food and fun, with everyone
walking away a winner. We thank
our sponsors, participants, and
the staff of the Avon Valley Golf
Proclaimed
2015Club
Port offor
the an
Yearimpressive
by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and
& Country
Assistance Network (ISWAN)! Halifax Port Authority, President and CEO, Karen Oldfield, accepted this prestigious award, “The Port
event!
of
Halifax is a very tightknit community and it is humbling to accept this award on behalf of our stakeholders and partner organizations
Jennifer Holland, Captain Sean Griffith, Julie Harvey, Ches Carter
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
• BULLETIN •
3rd Annual Wine Fest at Halifax Seaport Market
Nicole & John McCann, Board Member
Marquerite & Jamie Horton, Volunteer
A big thank you to Wine Fest committee members
Cathy McGrail, Joan McLeod, Eric Machum, and
volunteers Christine Booth, Patricia Thompson,
Aurora Ulloa-Parsons for a successful event.
We look forward to seeing everyone next April.
Our third annual Winefest netted $5,800 for the
Mission to Seafarers Halifax.
Rick Edwards, Board Member & Kenzie MacKinnon
Halifax Port Days 2016
Carolyn Graham, Elaine Selig
(Winner), McKayla Peddle
We are grateful for the significant support we receive from the
Halifax Port Authority, as well as the opportunity to attend all
Port Day events. We appreciate the generous donation in lieu of
gifts to keynote speakers. Frames Plus Art donated a lovely Peggy’s
Cove print on canvas by David Howells (Windsor, NS) for our Port
Day raffle, which netted $510 which goes directly to operations.
Congratulations to Elaine Selig of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority
who purchased the winning ticket. We thank volunteers Joseph
Loot, Carolyn Graham, and McKayla Peddle selling tickets and
manning the booth.
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
• BULLETIN •
Old Shed finally
demolished and
new shed erected by
volunteers
—FREE LABOUR!
Greg Naugle, Wally Thorne, and
Alex Vyblov
Wally, Esau Cassell and Richard Pastorius
— THANK YOU!
Wally & Carole Thorne
When we reflect upon facilities management at the Mission
the one name that comes to mind first is Wally Thorne.
Wally has been instrumental in leading property management
projects at the Mission for three years. Whether reinforcing
a sinking lounge ceiling, restructuring front ramp/stairs,
or laying a new Mission floor, Wally has resourced
and led volunteers, saving thousands of dollars for our
Mission. His lovely wife, Carole has been an active Friday
afternoon volunteer who tackles our monthly luncheons
with enthusiasm. No project is too large or tough and every
project is completed with a smile. It is with great sadness
that we say farewell as they move back out West to be near
their families. You will be surely missed.
Further farewells
Farewell to summer student, McKayla Peddle who
will continue with us in a volunteer capacity, while
she continues studies at St. Mary’s University for
her Bachelor of Arts.
We wish Palma Heming all the best as she starts
a new life in Mississauga. We will miss your
vivacious personality Palma—stay in touch!
McKayla Peddle
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
Palma and Doug
• BULLETIN •
Glenn Taylor and Bernie Leonard – the best team since
Dean and Gerry!
Glenn Taylor has been volunteering at the Mission for close
on ten years, and has played numerous roles during his
tenure, including Santa! He doesn’t remember exactly when
he walked through the doors of the Mission for the first
time but he does remember Maggie asking what she could
do to help him when he did. His response was: what could
he do to help out at the Mission. “There was a need for
someone to work the Wednesday evening shift and that has Bernie Leonard, born and educated in St.
John’s, NF, was ordained a priest in 1966,
become my regular assignment ever since.”
and resigned in 1972. He then attended
Glenn is a retired school principal, having spent thirtythe Marine Institute and graduated with
four years with the Halifax School Board. “I retired in
a Nautical Science Degree. He sailed as
2006 and started volunteering sometime after that. At the
Navigation Officer with Texaco, National
same time I became a tour guide for Ambassatours and
Sea and Fishery Products, Bedford
have spent the past ten summers and falls giving tours to
Institute, and Fisheries and Oceans (Coast
cruise ship passengers arriving in the port. It was while
driving along Marginal Road on motor coaches and double Guard). After over 30 years with the
Federal Government, Bernie retired in
decker buses that I first noticed the Mission. While I have
2006 from the Executive Group of the
observed changes to what the Mission offers through its
Public Service. He worked in Central
staff and volunteers, some aspects of what is done have
and Arctic Region, Maritimes Region,
remained constant. There is less use made of our land lines
Newfoundland and Labrador Regions, in
now and more skyping through personal computers and
cell phones. The first year saw trips made to Sheet Harbour operational and program management
positions. Bernie was Director of the
to assist seafarers. Now the Autoport is a long trip in the
Mission van especially on a cold stormy February night. Pier Canadian Coast Guard College from
1998-2004.
9 is now a more common destination than it was when I
“Because of my background in the
first started working at the Mission. What has remained
maritime sector I felt it was appropriate
constant however is, in my opinion, how important the
that I do volunteer work with the
Mission is to visiting seafarers and the genuine willingness
of Nova Scotians to donate such gifts as time, clothing, and Missions to Seafarers and am very happy
to be able to assist as necessary in this
Christmas shoe boxes to the Mission.”
Glenn enjoys volunteering but he has been rewarded with great service. I enjoy my time with my
co-colleague Glenn Taylor at Halifax’s
many adventures during his time at the Mission, such as
Mission to Seafarer.” Bernie has been on
visiting ships, learning about life at sea and the countries
call for emergency shifts as well as his
from which seafarers come. “My current Wednesday night
co-workers, Bernie Leonard and John Attersley, have taught usual shift for the past three years now.
In addition, Bernie also volunteers as an
me much about the world of international shipping and
English Language Instructor at Halifax
help with the crossword puzzles I bring to the Mission
Public Libraries helping new immigrants
every Wednesday night. Speaking of which, what is an
in becoming proficient in the English
eleven letter word (actually it’s two words ) for an airborne
Language.
messenger?”
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
• BULLETIN •
A Brief Reflection on my 2016 Internship – Joseph Anthony Loot
Intern, Mission to Seafarers Halifax – Candidate, Interdisciplinary Studies PhD, Dalhousie
After receiving my admission in
December 2013 into the doctoral
program at Dalhousie University to
pursue my research on tripartism
as mechanism to implement the
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
(MLC, 2006), I thought about getting the practical
understanding of seafaring and the shipping
industry. No organization in Halifax, a major port
city, caters full time to seafarer’s welfare and accept
volunteer work except the Mission to Seafarers
(MTS). I started in March 2014 (before my studies
began in the Fall) as volunteer with an academic
purpose. In two years I extended my commitment
to the Mission with a broader moral and social
purpose. The passionate and indefatigable ministry
work of Chaplain Maggie and management of
Helen, the selfless service of volunteers, and the
internship experience contributed to this decision.
The internship opportunity at MTS is valuable
for my present academic endeavour and future
professional development. It brought me closer
to the seafarers, made me see those invisible
workers who sail the perilous seas in a secretive
globalized industry, provided the justification for
an enforceable maritime labour standard, and
gave insights on the functions of various seafarer’s
welfare Christian organizations and the services of
the ITF and ITF Trust. Varied internship activities
made these possible: the ship visits and observation
on ship inspection, conversation with seafarers, the
webinars and NAMMA conference, the daily service
at the centre, and discussions with MTS volunteers
who have decades of seafaring experience.
I had opportunities to personally converse with
seafarers more frequently whereby I acquired first
hand accounts that put my theoretical knowledge
about the global maritime and labor industries into
perspective and practical application. Regardless
of their similarities or differences (by nationality,
position, gender, religion, or reason) every seafarer
comprises one bunch of worker whose toil and
labor activate the global economy and society.
Providing their economic and social rights with legal
and political security is an immediate priority.
The NAMMA conference at Virginia, USA was
a valuable source of experiential information, an
avenue to widen networking with people with
different perspectives, and a banquet to feed my
soul. Although I was looking at more in-depth
discussions on seafarer isolation at sea, the topics
discussed revalidated many things I know. (Perhaps
future NAMMA discussions, if not already
discussed in previous conferences, may also look
at seafaring on other ship sectors such as cruise
shipping, and the prevalent legal and political
issues such as those on the regulation of FOCs and
the impact of neoliberal globalization on seafarer
welfare) The discussants provided varied testimonies
on issues both at the session hall and the dinner
table. Networking with them is vital because they
are key informants. The daily worships were soul
searching, and answers to life’s purpose were given
in the readings, homilies, and songs.
Finally, the internship deepened my understanding
of the role of civil society organizations (CSOs)
in promoting seafarer welfare. Although not a
social partner in the tripartite system within the
MLC, 2006, CSOs such as the MTS are crucial
interest groups that contribute to the protection of
seafarers’ economic and social rights. They provide
the social and moral support not usually provided
by governments, shipowners, and seafarer unions.
In doing so, CSOs enhance seafarer confidence in
addressing the four main occupational issues: safe
and secure workplace, fair terms of employment,
decent working conditions, and health protection.
When my internship ends in October, I have a
cargo full of information and know-how that I can
deliver for my academic and professional research.
If I could choose, I would do the internship again
a hundred fold—even pro bono, gratis et amore.
My only causa: learning, service, and faith are
constantly infinite.
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
• BULLETIN •
Bringing Willy Home: An Exceptional “Presence”– Joseph Anthony Loot
“Being Present” is a critical response to issues
resulting from seafarers’ prolonged isolation
at sea—a key theme of the 2016 NAMMA
Conference. Social isolation, described in part at
the discussions, is multidimensional separation
from other people and spaces; depicted commonly
by separation from family. Seafarer welfare
organizations usually respond by being present
during ship visits, transports, and accommodations
at the centres. Yet an uncommon and touching
presence is providing full assistance on untimely
physiological disability while away from home.
Sometime in September, Wilfredo “Willy” Del
Mundo, head baker on a cruise ship of a large
shipping company, was brought to the QEII
Infirmary. Diagnosed with high blood pressure
and artery blockade, Willy decided (primarily for
cultural reasons) to have his surgical procedure
in the Philippines instead of in Halifax. During
his 12 days of hospital confinement, mostly spent
waiting for medical updates and discharge date, I
visited him at least four times (the first as part of
the initiative of Chaplain Maggie), and at the day
of his discharge assisted in his transfer to Atlantica
Hotel before his flight back home. In those visits,
I learned about his medical and employment
concerns, which I discussed with Chaplain Maggie
and Helen who then connected the Philippine
Honorary Consul and ITF Inspector with Willy.
Fifteen days after that fateful day, Chaplain Maggie
and I saw Willy off at the airport for his long flight
back home.
Various occupational hazards threaten seafarer’s
health. Willy succumbed to this after 13 years at
work. Notably, the Mission to Seafarers provided
the company, services, and information he needed
as he journeys back home and to good health.
Shoebox Campaign
Volunteers and staff deliver Shoebox
gifts to every seafarer who visits the
Port of Halifax during the month of
December. We thank all individuals,
churches, and community partners for
helping by providing shoeboxes and/
or supplies. Last year we delivered
1600 gifts.
What is in a shoebox gift? Mittens
or gloves, scarf, toque, socks,
toothpaste, toothbrush, hard candy
(no chocolate or alcohol) soap,
shampoo, shaving foam, razor,
deodorant, Lypsyl, playing cards, a
memento of NS or PE or Canada, a
pen, notepad and envelope. No sharp
objects or flammables. Contact the
Mission for details: 902-422-7790.
Shoeboxes begin arriving the first
week of November.
Tower Power
Under the supervision of Wayne Theriault, Nova Scotia Power, the
Tower Power team of highly skilled professionals spent the day at the
Mission. These brave men are committed to providing first class tower
painting and corrosion protection services all over the world!
Wayne was an awesome public relations person and traffic director
on behalf of Nova Scotia Power.
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
• BULLETIN •
Chaplain’s Message
– Rev. Maggie Whittingham-Lamont
There is a great deal written in the bible about
isolation and I particularly relate to a verse in
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 where we read: Two people are
better off than one, for they can help each other
succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach
out and help. But someone who falls alone is in
real trouble.
On board ship, one day is much the same as
the other and even at the Mission we sometimes
make mistakes about what day of the week it
is. Imagine each day being almost the same for
nine or ten months of the year and maybe you
will come to realize how monotonous life at sea
can be. Many seafarers do not receive shore time
when they are in port because their free time does
not coincide with the ship’s time in port. This is
an increasing problem as automation is improving
constantly so that ships that used to be in port
for a whole day are now in and out in as little as
5 hours. This has changed my job considerably
and I now find my time onboard is often greater
than my time in the Mission. Time spent talking
one on one with a particular seafarer is of utmost
importance. The visiting chaplain may be the
only new face they see for long periods of time.
I always try to learn the names of crewmembers
and make them feel like someone cares.
I see many ships with multi-national crew so it
is not unusual to find a person who is the only
individual of a particular nationality onboard.
For them it can be a long contract with no one
to speak your own language with, and maybe
no ethnic food for the duration of your contract.
I will always try to ensure I speak to a seafarer
who is the only crewmember of a particular
nationality and they are not always foreign crew.
My whole family befriended a young Canadian
apprentice once who found himself with a full
French crew. The apprentice did not speak any
French and the French crews’ English was limited
so the apprentice was spending long periods of
time without conversation. After a few weeks he
was ready to quit but I knew that he was going
to make a great seafarer one day so each time he
came in I had an activity prepared for him and
although he was still counting the days until he
signed off it became tolerable and he now sails as
a Captain.
Please give some thoughts and prayers for the
lonely seafarers who labour to bring us the items
we use each day.
It seems that only a short time has passed
since I was writing about winter at the Mission.
We will soon be entering that season again and
seafarers are already starting to feel the Autumnal
chill. Normally we would be able to alleviate
their discomfort by supplying warm second-hand
clothing but it seems that such a thing is currently
in short supply; our clothes room at the Mission
is the emptiest it has ever been. We are hoping
that as people change over from their summer to
winter wardrobe they will consider donating some
of their good used clothing to the Mission.
www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
• BULLETIN •
Chair’s Message – Sandra Attersley
As I write this, there is a definite change in the season
as the wind shifts to the north, the leaves begin to
change colour and the geese head south. October is still
a busy month at the Mission with cruise ship season
in high gear—sometimes five ships in at the same time
taking advantage of our region’s fall colours. Many of
the crew visit the Mission for a change in atmosphere,
to use the internet, or just to relax in their “home away
from home” or take advantage of the Mission’s van for
transport around the city. Even after the cruise season
ends, there is no rest for Mission staff and volunteers.
Next up will be getting over 1,500 shoebox gifts ready
to distribute to crews visiting the Port of Halifax in
December and January. All the work that goes into
welcoming seafarers in Halifax would not be possible
without the support of our donors. Thanks to all who
give, and we look forward to your ongoing support this
year and next. The seafarers depend on it. Donations
can be made by mail, in person, or through the Donate
button on the Mission’s website.
As noted elsewhere in this edition, we say goodbye to
Carole and Wally Thorne as they relocate to Winnipeg to
be closer to family. Their work at the Mission as regular
Friday volunteers, and often leading building maintenance
projects has been a wonderful gift of time and talent!
Thank you on behalf of the Board of Directors!
A special SALUTE to Atship Shipping Services and
the Halifax Pilots for their generous donations to help
with repairs to the Mission van. We are thankful for
your support.
Announcements
•MTS Christmas Luncheon,
Cunard Centre December 14,
2016 – BOOK NOW!
•Monthly luncheons last
Friday of every month except
December
•October luncheon sponsored by
Halifax Port Authority (Oct. 28)
•November luncheon sponsored
P and H Milling Group
(Nov. 25)
•Businesses may become
corporate sponsors (STAR
PROGRAM). Contact Helen for
information.
•Individuals may donate in lieu
of birthdays, memorials or leave
a gift in your will.
•Churches may create a “parish
link” on their website to
promote the Mission.
•Please donate warm clothing for
our FREE room as provisions
for winter are very low!
The Mission is thankful to our major sponsors without
whom we would not be able to offer our services.
Atlantic Towing Ltd.
Atship Services Ltd.
Atlantic Container Line
Atlantic Pilotage Authority
Blue Water Agencies Ltd.
Cerescorp Company
Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering
Canadian Steamship Lines
Colley Motorships Ltd.
D. R. Brenton Ltd.
F. K. Warren Ltd.
Halifax Pilots
Halifax Port Authority
Halifax Shipping Association
Hapag Lloyd (Canada) Ltd.
Holland America Line
Logistec Stevedoring
Maritime World Logistics
Mark & Dr. Joanne MacDonald
Metcalf & Company
International Sailors’ Society Canada
Northrop Grumman
Partner International Inc.
P & H Milling Group
Protos Shipping Ltd
Spectacle Group
Svitzer Canada Ltd.
Total Home Protection
Wallenius Willhelmsen Logistics
Mission to Seafarers Halifax
P.O. Box 27114 Halifax, NS B3H 4M8 Canada
Tel: 902-422-7790 Fax: 902-420-9786
Website: www.missiontoseafarershalifax.ca
Location: Opposite Pier 24, Ocean Terminals
Open:
/ 10:00
We
are09:30
open weekdays
9:30am daily,
andweekends
10am Saturdays.
Chaplain: Rev. Maggie Whittingham-Lamont
Cell: 902-456-7029
email: [email protected]
Mission Manager: Helen Glenn
Cell: 902-456-1658
email: [email protected]
This newsletter is produced with the generous support of Metro Guide Publishing Ltd. and Advocate Printing and Publishing.