Volunteer Ship Visitor

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Do you have a compassionate heart and a sense of adventure? The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario is searching for dedicated volunteers to staff our welfare centre at the Port of Hamilton. You will embark on one of the most unique and engaging volunteering experiences in the city, immersing yourself in the diverse world of the global maritime community,

By boarding ships and interacting with seafarers from all corners of the planet, you will gain fascinating insights into the lives of those who sail the seas. As their primary point of contact with the local community and their foremost source of welfare support, you will have the honour of representing Hamilton while providing crucial services to these brave and hardworking individuals.

As a volunteer, you will play an essential role in helping seafarers stay connected to their families, access healthcare and labour resources, and discover local attractions. In doing so, you will gain an unparalleled inside look of the shipping industry and the workings of the global supply chain.

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of seafarers! The world needs them. And they need you.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Foreign language proficiency (Tagalog, Hindi, Ukrainian, French, Mandarin) is a tremendous asset
• The welfare centre operates during all evenings and on selected days, allowing volunteers to choose part-time shifts that best suit their schedule
• Ship Visitor
• Boarding ships, greeting seafarers, and lending a listening ear to support their health and wellbeing
• Assessing crew needs for local assistance and connecting seafarers to relevant resources
• Providing SIM cards, currency exchange, and other essential services for foreign seafarers
• Mission Centre Host
• Welcoming seafarers to the welfare centre
• Providing refreshments, SIM cards, and currency exchange services
• Connecting seafarers to local organizations and resources
• Driver
• Safely transporting seafarers from their ship to local destinations such as shopping, dining, and churches using Mission-owned vehicles
• Identifying seafarers in need of assistance and connecting them to relevant resources

Requirements

• Volunteers must live in the Hamilton area
• Volunteers must be open-minded, welcoming, and empathetic
• Prospective drivers must hold a valid G license
• All applicants must complete a Vulnerable Sector Check at the Mission’s expense

Feel free to contact Pastor Dan Phannenhour at dan.phannenhour@gmail.com or 905-616-8985 (cell).