Third Asian Challenge raises US$570,000 to fund Sailors’ Society’s work with seafarers
45 industry teams scale 4,000m peak ahead of Sea-Asia 2015 to demonstrate their support for mariners around the world
Singapore, 20 April 2015. Teams from across the maritime industry have completed the third biennial Asian challenge on behalf of Sailors’ Society, raising more than half a million US dollars towards the support of seafarers and their families around the world.
Sailors’ Society, one of the largest seafarer support charities operating internationally, organised the ascent of Borneo’s 4,095m Mount Kinabalu in advance of the Sea-Asia exhibition and conference which begins on April 21.
Sponsored by Cargill and Rio Tinto with support from Noble Group, ABS, the Baltic Exchange and Wilhelmsen, 45 teams took part, having each pledged to raise a minimum of US$8,800. The fastest team this year was Hong Kong-based firm Caravel Group Ltd, who completed the climb in two hours and one minute. The highest fundraiser was Noble Group, which raised US$35,200
2015 Asian challenge money will go toward the Society’s ‘Gift of Education’ Fund providing education, computers and transport for seafarers’ children, and ‘Gift of Welfare’ fund which will include connectivity for seafarers families. The Society recognises the importance of sharing the impact of its work to its donors and will be communicating this as the programme unfolds.
Pete Mannion, General Manager, Fleet Operations, Rio Tinto Marine, said:
“It has been both a privilege and pleasure to support the Sailors’ Society in this way. It is fantastic and rewarding to see your corporate dollar put to such good use for such a deserving and wonderful cause.”
Matthew Miller, Handymax Manager, Cargill Ocean Transportation, Cargill, said:
“Cargill is very proud of its long association with Sailors’ Society, this year we will celebrate 20 years of support. What a magnificent event, we were truly blessed by good weather on the mountain. Thank you to the Sailors’ Society team for a successful 2015 Asian Challenge.”
Jan Webber, Director of Fundraising for Sailors’ Society thanked the industry leaders who came from the UK and across Asia to take part.
“Our congratulations and thanks are due to all those who took part in the Asian Challenge this year. Donating to a good cause is something we can all relate to, but when people make a physical commitment like this, we are doubly grateful. Completing the challenge is a demonstration of how highly our industry values the seafarers on whom we all rely.”
2015 saw several companies take part for the first time and which have pledged greater support next time. Many of the participants commented on the team building opportunity the challenge provided and entered multiple teams.
Jan Webber added:
“Once again we had a magnificent volunteer mountain support team, including mountain leader Harry Abdy-Collins of Guardian Global Resources, Matt Miller, Olof Koning and Alain Lecomte who provided incredible support on the mountain. Harry and Olof spent over seven hours bringing down the final climbers who were struggling, particularly when a thunder storm started!”
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About Sailors’ Society
Sailors’ Society is an international charity that seeks to transform the lives of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers and their families, in port, at sea and at home. The charity offers practical help, emotional and spiritual support, financial assistance and family liaison. Our port chaplains visit thousands of ships every year, directly addressing the needs of seafarers – irrespective of a person’s belief or nationality – as well as maintaining vital links within the Ports that they operate. www.sailors-society.org/
Mountain leader Harry Abdy-Collins of Guardian Global Resources guides a volunteer on the way to the summit, Mt Kinabalu, Borneo.
