Southern Ontario
Supporting Seafarers
The Seafarers ensure that the goods Canada needs and exports arrive at our shores face some of the most dangerous and isolating conditions in the world. ​Months away from family, limited food options and no doctors. What would you miss the most?
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Many seafarers come from poor areas where working as part of a ship's crew is one of the few reliable ways to earn a living. The Mission to Seafarers' frontline staff are there for seafarers in trouble, distress, or despair.
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In many remote areas, the Mission may be the only help on offer and the only place vulnerable seafarers feel they can turn for support.
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Mission to Seafarers was founded in 1856 through the work of many Anglican clergy. Today, MTS is a non-denominational, multi-faith ministry and has become the largest sea port-based welfare organization in the world. We serve seafarers of all faiths - and none.
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We rely purely on voluntary support to continue this work. Without you, there simply wouldn’t be the global network of support that gives hope and help to seafarers when they need it the most.
Ours is the "Ministry of Small Gestures": visit every ship that arrives in our ports in Hamilton, Oshawa, Toronto, and Port Welland; we bring bags of chocolate as our welcome (seafarers love chocolate!).
Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario assists with local transportation for shopping, medical visits, and recreation, as well as bringing them to our Mission Stations in Hamilton and Oshawa. We offer a friendly ear that will listen, commiseration in sadness and celebration in joy.
Ours is a ministry of hospitality where no seafarers will be left behind, where they know they are not isolated, and are valued by the world.
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Through your donations, you participate in The Ministry of Small Gestures: keeping the Wifi running, the coffee hot, and enabling our staff and volunteers to continue to do the work of hospitality that is so important to the Seafarers. On behalf of Seafarers everywhere: thank you for your donation!​
To donate by mail - please send cheque to:
Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario
P.O. Box 18223 RPO Steeple Hill
Pickering, ON L1V 0B8
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To donate online - please visit
Canada Helps