Mercy Ships’ Cargo Day
3rd November 2016
Tim Webb and Gilbert Walter of Barry Rogliano Salles (BRS) conceived the idea of “Cargo Day” to help the very worthwhile charity Mercy Ships celebrate its 20th anniversary. Tradewinds promoted “Cargo Day” to the shipping community who rallied behind the idea and donated generously on 19 October.
Many people in Africa have little or no access to healthcare. There are only 2.5 physicians per 10,000 people in Africa, compared to 33.3 physicians per 10,000 in Europe. So the Africa Mercy brings volunteer medical teams and sterile operating rooms directly to people who would otherwise go without care. It’s the world’s largest civilian hospital ship providing state-of-the-art care to those in desperate need—free of charge.
The shipping community was invited to participate in “Cargo Day” in a variety of ways. Almost 50 cargoes were committed to brokers, port agents and inspection companies who committed to donate part or all of their fees or commissions to the cause. Nine address commissions were donated, as well as 32 pledges of money, Oldendorff also supports Mercy Ships www.mercyships.ch
Around $400,000 and possibly much more may flow from Mercy Ships’ Cargo Day fund-raising event.
