Trois-Rivières, December 5, 2018 – The Trois-Rivières Seamen’s Club, a member of the Stella Maris Group, was created on December 8, 1998. Over the past 20 years, more than 55,000 sailors from around the world have used the organization’s services.
The Seaman’s Club is a place of welcome, help and comfort, after long days at sea. Sailors come here to contact their families using the free wireless network, to purchase SIM cards, clothing or souvenirs at low prices, to find out about the resources available in Trois-Rivières and how to get there, but also to obtain help when an emergency occurs in their country or to find a listening ear when they are separated from their loved ones for long periods.
“Thanks to our generous volunteers, we are able to offer this support to the sailors who visit us. We currently have 25 active volunteers to cover afternoons and evenings, almost seven days a week, all year round,” says Paul Racette, Executive Director of the Seamen’s Club, noting that the organization is currently seeking additional volunteers.
With the month of December comes the distribution of Christmas bags. This year, 300 bags were prepared and are being given to sailors visiting Trois-Rivières until the beginning of January, including Christmas and New Year’s Eves. “Generous local companies gave us supplies to stock the bags, and some volunteers also contributed by providing handmade gifts, such as knitted items. Again this year, we will surely make some people happy!,” comments Mr. Racette.
A non-profit organization, the Trois-Rivières Seamen’s Club relies on donations of money, services and equipment to carry out its mission. People who wish to dispose of clothing or donate nonperishable food can bring them directly to the Club’s office, 132 Rue de la Commune.
The organization’s board of directors is made up of representatives from the diocese, the Corporation Pilotes Saint-Laurent Central, the community, volunteers and the Trois-Rivières Port Authority, which provides free space near the docks.
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Information:
Paul Racette
General Manager
Trois-Rivières Seaman’s Club
819-373-7187