Seafarers charity receives £6000 donation
A charity that offers respite and home comforts to seafarers visiting Hampshire has received funding from ExxonMobil Fawley
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Stella Maris, which welcomes seafarers from around the world including many of the 27,000 who arrive at Fawley Marine Terminal, received the donation to enhance its “home-from-home” facilities for visiting seafarers and fishermen.
The charity, which aims to provide a “friend in every port”, has a centre located at ExxonMobil Fawley’s site and provides vital emotional support to those having to work long periods away from home.
With over 20 mariners making use of the facilities every day, the charity’s network of chaplains and volunteers are on hand 24-hours a day to provide mental health and emergency support, respite care and practical advice, often providing acts of kindness such as offering lifts to local facilities or a friendly chat if required.
Since 2021, ExxonMobil Fawley has proudly committed to supporting the centre. Some of services through ExxonMobil’s funding include new soft furnishings and entertainment equipment, an outside decked area with colourful planters, and structural upgrades.
Other facilities at Stella Maris Fawley include a comfortable TV lounge, free Wi-Fi, complimentary roaming SIM and phone cards, a vending machine and free tea and coffee.
Stella Maris’ Southampton Regional Port Chaplain, Gregory Hogan, said: “In our work supporting seafarers we hope that, as well as giving specific help in crises, we are making the seafarers feel that they are appreciated for their hard work and sacrifice when working far from home and family in order that the world receives its goods and services.
“We could not manage to do all we do were it not the generosity of ExxonMobil Fawley”.
Russ Maton, Process Coordinator for ExxonMobil Fawley Marine Terminal, said: “We could not operate without the ships which visit our terminal each day, so it is right that we do everything we can to look after those who crew them,
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Stella Maris for many years to come and are thrilled to be able to support the hard work of this fantastic charity”.