Southern Ontario

Supporting Seafarers

Seafarers ensure that the goods Canada needs and exports safely reach our shores, all while facing some of the most dangerous and isolating conditions in the world. Months away from family, limited food options, and no access to doctors—what would you miss the most?

Many seafarers come from impoverished regions, where working on a ship is one of the few stable ways to earn a living. The Mission to Seafarers' frontline staff are there to support those in trouble, distress, or despair.

In many remote areas, the Mission is the only source of help and the only place vulnerable seafarers can turn for care and support.

Founded in 1856 through the efforts of many Anglican clergy, the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) is now a non-denominational, multi-faith ministry and the largest sea port-based welfare organization in the world. We serve seafarers of all faiths—and none.

We rely entirely on voluntary support to continue this essential work. Without you, there would be no global network offering hope and help to seafarers when they need it most.

At MTSSO, we live by the "Ministry of Small Gestures": visiting every ship that arrives in our ports in Hamilton, Oshawa, Toronto, and Port Welland. We greet them with bags of chocolate—because seafarers love chocolate!

The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario also provides local transportation for shopping, medical visits, and recreation, while offering a welcoming space at our Mission Stations in Hamilton and Oshawa. We listen with a caring ear, offering support in moments of sadness and celebration in times of joy.

Ours is a ministry of hospitality, where no seafarer is left behind, where they know they are not isolated, and where they are valued by the world.

Your donation makes you a part of this Ministry of Small Gestures—keeping the Wi-Fi running, the coffee hot, and enabling our staff and volunteers to continue offering vital hospitality. On behalf of seafarers everywhere, thank you for your generous support!

To donate by mail - please send cheque to:

Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario
P.O. Box 18223 RPO Steeple Hill
Pickering, ON L1V 0B8