This donation is a welcomed gift to seafarers, according to Kent Williams, executive director of the Fort Vancouver Seafarers Center.
“Due to COVID-19 regulations, crews calling on the port have been unable to leave their ships for more than a year,” said Williams. “In the past, our organization offered an array of free amenities to the visiting mariners, including local shopping trips, tours and sightseeing, as well as access to the seafarers center, that includes a library with books in multiple languages, a non-denominational chapel, a kitchen, games and comfortable areas to rest.”
The center usually welcomes about 3,000 mariners annually. During the pandemic, the center’s volunteers have been helping seafarers by shopping for them, with laptops being one of the most requested items.
“Even before the pandemic, the mariners were unseen by the general population due to the terminal and center being located within a secured area of the port,” Williams explained. “Our organization runs entirely on the donations of individual philanthropists, faith partners and local businesses. This donation will make a significant impact on countless seafarers.”
For more information about the center and how to help, contact Kent Williams at (360) 694-9300 or fvseafarers@gmail.com.
