Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland e. V. (MCN e. V.) is donating around 1,400 euros to the non-profit maritime organisation "Stiftung Deutsche Lutherische Seemannsmission".
2020 also had its good sides: Due to the temporary reduction in VAT from July to December 2020, the membership fees paid to MCN e. V. at the beginning of the year resulted in a surplus. The MCN members decided to donate this difference of around 1,400 euros to the German Lutheran Seamen's Mission Foundation.
"We are very grateful for this donation initiative from the MCN. It helps us to reliably support the work in the Seamen's Mission stations even in times of crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has imposed considerable additional restrictions, uncertainty and hardship on many seafarers. This is precisely why the commitment "for more humanity in seafaring" is important. We are delighted that the members of the MCN are supporting us competently in this endeavour," says Reinhart Kauffeld, Deputy Chairman of the German Lutheran Seamen's Mission Foundation.
Especially in difficult times, such as the coronavirus pandemic, spiritual support is particularly important for seafarers. Here, a sailor's deacon, Stefanie Zernikow, has invited the crew of a ship to a prayer service. Photo: DSM Rostock
The work of seafarers on tankers, container ships, cruise ships and fishing vessels is hard and full of privation. Shift work, constant time changes and long periods away from their families make life difficult for seafarers and put them under particular physical and mental strain. Especially in these times of the global coronavirus pandemic, tireless support for the seafarers on board is very important. That is why the German Lutheran Seamen's Mission Foundation is committed to more humanity in seafaring. It supports the 26 stations of the Seamen's Mission in Germany and abroad so that they can do good for the seafarers.
During the festive season, especially at Christmas, the stress and loneliness on board are particularly difficult for seafarers to bear. There are many indications that the increasing digitalisation of the shipping industry and crews being reduced to the bare minimum will increase this stress in the future. The Seamen's Mission therefore regularly visits the seafarers on their ships while they are berthed in harbours or during lockage at the Kiel Canal. If service on board allows, seamen's clubs or hostels offer recreational and leisure activities.
The "Christmas on your ear" campaign, for example, enables seafarers to make free phone calls home. The foundation also provides assistance in emergency situations, promotes community tasks such as the training and further education of full-time and voluntary staff at the Seamen's Mission and subsidises training courses for psychosocial emergency care.
"We have been closely associated with the German Lutheran Seamen's Mission Foundation for many years. We are also moved by the social aspects of shipping, to which the Seamen's Mission is dedicated in an outstanding way. Our members are delighted to be able to support the projects and work of the Seamen's Mission with this donation," says Knut Gerdes, Chairman of MCN e. V.
Text: MCN e.V.
Cover photo: D. Angres
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