Greg Abakhan
Mercy Ships Canada
Meet our volunteers
On board the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, over 400 volunteers from over 40 nations join together to make a difference for the poor in Africa.
Each year 100+ Canadians volunteer onboard. The Africa Mercy is home to over 400 short-term and long-term crew members who offer a wide range of skills: surgeons, teachers, nurses, engineers, cooks, photographers and more. Mercy Ships would not exist without our amazing volunteers!
Marsha Tanner's Story - COVID-19 Response
Renée Joubarne
Renée Jourbarne
Canadian volunteer Renée Jourbarne shares her experience volunteering onboard the Africa Mercy as a Media Liaison.
Read the full storySheila Aeschlimann
Sheila Aeschlimann
For professional Baker Sheila, her this second field service was just as much a dream job as a homecoming.
Read the full storyRay Scheepstra
Ray Scheepstra
Ray Scheepstra is a seasoned volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy, serving as the ship Electrician.
Read the full storyLisa Benner
Lisa Benner
Ever since she was a child, Lisa has dreamed of helping others around the world.
Read the full storyIrik and Cathy Mallie
Irik and Cathy Mallie
Irik and Cathy Mallie have served with the Africa Mercy since 2009. Irik works as the ships chief engineer for the Engineering department and Cathy is the palliative care counselor for the Palliative Care department on the ship.
Read the full storyLarry and Sandy Hewitt
Larry and Sandy Hewitt
Larry and Sandy are long-term Canadian crew and having been serving onboard the Africa Mercy since 2015.
Read the full storyChristina Fast
Mark Carew
Mark Carew
Captain Mark Carew changed many lives in Cameroon through his dedicated service with Mercy Ships.
Read the full storyDr. Sherif Emil
Dr. Sherif Emil
Dr. Emil has been volunteering with Mercy Ships till 2016 and plans to continue for the foreseeable future
Read the full storyAmy Wilderspin
Amy Wilderspin
Amy Wilderspin started her professional career caring for adults in Canada, but it took a trip to Africa to realize pediatric nursing is what’s really in her heart.
Read the full storyCarmen and Brenda Yirka
Carmen and Brenda Yirka
Brenda followed her daughter Carmen to Africa where they both became part of a life-changing story
Read the full storyDr. Gary Parker
Dr. Gary: "Tangible hope"
Early in his surgical career, Dr. Gary joined a Mercy Ships team in Mexico in 1986. He faithfully served for more than 30 years!
Read the full story
"On behalf of the Liberian people, I wish to thank all the volunteers on the ship who come from all over the world for their sacrifice and the comfort they have given to so many poor and needy Liberians. Their work goes beyond compassion and healing the sick. It shows that the world is a global village, with no racial and social boundaries. The Liberian people are grateful."
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