Happy National Volunteer Week!

Volunteers light up the decks of the Africa Mercy with their smiles and big hearts each and every day!

It takes a lot of courage to sign up for any amount of time with Mercy Ships. Why? Individuals are raising their own funds to fly across the world, volunteer overseas in a ship with people they have not met, be thrown into often times fast paced jobs where they’ve got to be in their toes, all while being introduced to a completely new culture with language barriers.

Some may find this daunting, but there is little apprehension from most volunteers. While slightly nervous, they are mostly excited and know it’s something they want to do and feel they are supposed to do. Thinking of the people they are going to help usually trumps most fears.

Mercy Ships volunteers are helping individuals become active members of their communities again, allowing them to work, to go to school, to regain respect, to fill them with hope and most importantly live a happier and healthier life.

Mercy Ships plants roots in each country visited through the local people who receive free surgery, and the health care professionals who are trained and continue to share what they have learned with others after the Africa Mercy departs.

Volunteers keep Mercy Ships afloat, we would not be able to do what we do and help so many people without the selfless acts of each and every person who commits their time and skills to the Mercy Ships cause.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS across Canada and internationally for all that you do!

In the words of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

“Volunteers look for opportunities to contribute their time, passion, and skill to make a positive difference in the lives of others. They believe—and know—that better is always possible.