Prime Minister Trudeau Acknowledges Contribution of Mercy Ships Canada Volunteers
The Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, met with Mercy Ships Canadian crew members in Dakar, Senegal on February 12 to thank them for their volunteer work. Joining the Prime Minister was Francois-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Canadian Ambassador to Senegal Sebastien Beaulieu.
Representing the Canadian volunteer crew was Ms. Stephanie Verseveldt, a screening nurse from Burnaby, British Columbia and Ms. Irene Blotsky, a food services volunteer from Montreal, Quebec. Accompanying them was Mercy Ships Canada Board member Dr. Andrew Clark and Captain Taylor Perez, the Master of the Africa Mercy, both from the United States.
Mercy Ships operates state-of-the-art hospital ships run by skilled volunteers to deliver free surgery and world-class healthcare services and capacity building in developing nations. The Africa Mercy is currently deployed in the Port of Dakar, providing free healthcare for ten months from August 2019. The number of Canadian crew currently serving is 24 (out of approximately 400 on the ship). The Anastasis visited Senegal in 1993-1994.
John Treleaven, the Mercy Ships Canada Board Chair, remarked, “Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations that donate their time and skills to the effort. Approximately 100 Canadians annually volunteer on Mercy Ships overseas work. The international charity, Mercy Ships, follows the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus to provide hope and healing to the forgotten poor.”
Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.6 billion, impacting more than 2.7 million lives. The Canadian Prime Minister’s interest in the work of Mercy Ships was an important acknowledgment that the charity sector in Canada continues to play a vital role in international development.
Mercy Ships provides a variety of medical capacity-building opportunities. For example, the host nation’s medical professionals (surgeons, nurses, administrators, and community health workers), along with curative surgical interventions, community-based preventative health strategies and agricultural training, are all involved in joint work together. Mercy Ships believes that everyone should have access to quality health and dental care. People, especially women and children, should not be penalized or denied care based on their gender or where they live. By collaborating with qualified local and international partners, Mercy Ships programs offer practical support to developing nations striving to make health care accessible for all. Programs implemented by Mercy Ships are designed to support the efforts of both
Diacko: The Courage to Trust
As we approach the close of this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the challenges and trials faced by so many, especially those who have experienced profound loss. This season, while we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let’s also remember those who are still suffering, those who have lost their way, and those who have lost their faith in a better tomorrow.
During this holiday season, we invite you to join us in this mission of compassion, faith, and renewal.
Your generosity can make a real and lasting impact.
Teneng and Ibrahima: Gifts from God
This Christmas season, let’s come together as a community of faith and support to bring restoration to people who have lost so much. Mercy Ships Canada is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of Children and adults in need. Your gift, rooted in faith, can make a significant difference in the lives of countless people. Your support will bring back smiles, health, and faith to children and adults who have suffered for far too long. Donate today and make this Christmas truly meaningful.
Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile
At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.
Aissatou Finds Healing
As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the immense power of faith and the importance of giving back to those in need. This Christmas, you have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, healing and transformation for those who need it most.
Your support this Christmas will not only change lives but also reaffirm the spirit of giving and faith. Join us in spreading love, hope, and healing.
Make a donation today, and together, we can transform the lives of people who have lost so much.
Grateful Hearts-Thank you message from Darryl Anderson
Our journey continues, and we’re excited to have you by our side as we embark on new adventures of compassion and change.
Face-to-Face after Decades: Catherine and Aly Reunite on the Global Mercy
The last time Catherine Conteh saw the deeply familiar smile in front of her in Freetown, it was under dramatically different circumstances. Learn more about Aly’s act of kindness!
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