The Saint John Seafarers’ Mission is reaching out to the community to donate to their 2024 Christmas box campaign.
The campaign, which is held each holiday season, provides gifts to seafarers who are away from their homes and families for months.
Executive Director Tony Dickinson said they have held this campaign for several years and like to provide seafarers these holiday boxes in recognition of their hard work out at sea.
“Our mission here is to provide seafarers a home away from home and one of the ways we do that is providing a Christmas gift,” Dickinson said.
Items to put in boxes include new:
- Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, hand cream.
- Warm clothes: toque, gloves, scarfs, warm socks, foot warmers.
- Leisure: 2025 calendar, playing cards, sudoku puzzle books, flashlight or headlamp with batteries, Canadian souvenirs like magnets or mugs.
- Snacks: chocolate, cookies, nuts, candy.
Dickinson has noticed a positive impact the items have had on the seafarers, especially with the warm clothes.
“A lot of our seafarers come from much warmer climates than Canada. So being able to provide the proper kind of clothing is important to us,” the executive director said.
Individuals wishing to donate can drop gifts off at the Saint John Seafarers’ Mission office at 92 Tilley Lane.
Schools, churches, and businesses can call 506-635-1731 to arrange a time to drop off items or schedule a time to have someone pick items up.
