The Seafarers International Relief Fund is a central charitable fund that supports seafarers and their families impacted by humanitarian disasters, such as the crisis in Ukraine.
In March 2022, the SIRF launched the SIRF Ukraine Appeal to provide emergency support to seafarers and their families devastated by the conflict in Ukraine. The conflict caused unimaginable human suffering, ripping families apart, and the environment remained chaotic, extremely dangerous, and fast-moving.
Many Ukrainian seafarers were stranded at sea and in ports with scarce supplies. In many areas across the country, civilian buildings and critical infrastructure were destroyed, affecting running water, electricity, and gas. Phone connectivity was very poor, with many people unable to contact their loved ones. The greatest need remains basic human welfare – shelter, food, water, transport, access to medical services, along with practical financial help.
Thanks to an incredible level of support from key industry players and corporate supporters, along with trusts and foundations, SIRF Ukraine raised over £300,000 in donations to support seafarers and their families affected by the crisis.
Since March 2022, SIRF Ukraine funds have supported many seafarers and their families through activities delivered by maritime charities, trade unions, and other not-for-profit organizations operating on the ground in Ukraine, as well as in other countries, including Romania, Poland, Hungary, Germany, and Moldova. In addition to the Fund's existing and established delivery partners, new contacts were also established in the area.
The Emergency Appeal was coordinated by The Seafarers' Charity and supported by The Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, ISWAN, Sailors' Society, ICMA, and other charities and NGOs, working alongside all key industry players who made a difference in supporting seafarers and their families impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. The funds raised were distributed to appropriate delivery partners operating within the country to support seafarers and their families.
The Fund is administered and overseen at no cost by The Seafarers' Charity, a grant funder with established governance mechanisms and processes for monitoring and evaluation to ensure efficiency and transparency. All donors received a copy of the impact report produced in 2022 to show where the funds had been spent.
The Seafarers International Relief Fund successfully delivered over $1.1M of humanitarian aid during COVID-19.
