VOLUNTEERS from across the maritime industry have come together in Port Botany to fill over 1800 Christmas gift bags for seafarers.

Maritime charities Stella Maris and Mission to Seafarers, and the funders of the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund, the Port Authority of NSW and NSW Ports, sent out the call and over 40 volunteers responded.

Volunteers will be distributing the gift bags to seafarers from over 60 countries on cargo ships visiting Sydney ports throughout the Christmas season.

NSW Port CEO Marika Calfas, chair Patricia McKenzie, and Ports of NSW CEO Philip Holliday visited the volunteers to thank them for their work, and they were in turn thanked by Clayton Strong of Mission to Seafarers, and Sister Mary of Stella Maris, for their initiative this year in creating the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund.

The two charities had both received first round grants which made it possible for them to continue their varied wellbeing activities for seafarers throughout the year.

Mission to Seafarers CEO Clayton Strong said with 99% of Australia’s imports and exports arriving by sea, it’s not elves who are working hard to bring Australians their Christmas gifts this year, but rather seafarers.

“Christmas can be a lonely time for many, but for seafarers who often haven’t seen their families for up to nine months, a gift bag of care can be a huge boost to their mental health,” he said.

Sister Mary and her volunteers had gathered over 2000 stuffed koalas, fridge magnets, peak caps, and socks – and even a handwritten Christmas card – for the gift bags.

Key organiser of the day, Port Authority Marine Pilot Michael Kelly, said the port workers came back year after year to help out because they could see how happy the seafarers are when they received the gift bags.

“It’s nice to know a small gesture on our part can have a huge impact on someone’s welfare,” he said.

Clayton Strong said seafarers need respite and support while in port to be able to continue to stay healthy as individuals and as workers, and this strong healthy workforce protects not just the maritime industry, but the Australian economy and its environment.

Mr Strong said, “Like all charities, we have been facing downwards trends in volunteering and donations so today’s enthusiastic support from volunteers, and the ongoing support from the Seafarers Welfare Fund, have been the best Christmas gifts our small team can wish for!”.