Marine Pilot helps export Christmas cheer with annual seafarer gift hamper drive

A lonely first Christmas at sea was the inspiration behind an annual gift hamper drive that has brought Christmas cheer and more than 10,000 gift packs to international seafarers visiting Port Botany since 2018.

Headed by Port Authority of New South Wales Marine Pilot, Michael Kelly, along with a team of Port Authority’s Sydney Marine Pilots, Cutter Crew, Port Officers and Vessel Traffic Services, this year’s drive will see 1800 packs of essential personal items like aftershave and moisturiser, and gifts including stuffed koalas delivered to ships in port in the lead up to the holiday season.

Port Authority of New South Wales Marine Pilot, Michael Kelly said the hamper drive was born from his own experience when he first went to sea just before Christmas 1992.

“I set sail four days before Christmas with a package my mum instructed me to open on Christmas Day. I was so homesick and it meant everything to have a present to open and a small reminder of home,” said Mr Kelly.

“Seafarers can spend months at sea at a time and have one of the most isolating jobs in the world. I know what it’s like to feel lonely on a day you normally spend with family and friends.

“Besides, everyone deserves a present at Christmas time, no matter how old you are!”

Support for the yuletide initiative grows each year within the Port Botany community – donations this year coming from Port Authority, Port Authority Pilots, Cutter Crews, Port Officers and Vessel Traffic Services, Engage Marine, Ausbarge, Sydney Pilots Association, DP World wharfies, Synergy Marine Group as well as Stella Maris and the Port Welfare Committee.

A large contingent of volunteers also assist to pack the hampers into Santa sacks and deliver them to visiting ships including Port Authority staff, wharfies, tug crews, Sister Mary Leahey, family and friends.

Speaking at the busy hamper packing day, Mr Kelly said it is heartwarming to see the port community come together, and to get feedback from Captains about how much seafarers appreciate the gifts.

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

“The stuffed koalas are always a hit – a keepsake from Australia that seafarers can have in their cabins and take home to their kids. The same with the magnets – they are practical at sea, used to pin up family photos in cabins, before being taken home.

“I’m looking forward to dropping off the Santa sacks to ships over the coming weeks and seeing the big smiles on the crews’ faces”.

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