Seaspan Donates $1.1 Million to BC Marine Community Organizations

Seaspan, the West Coast’s major tugboat, barge-towing and ship-berthing company, has announced a multi-year donation of $1.1 million to three BC marine charitable organizations. The Sail and Life Training Society will receive $100,000 per year from 2013 to 2017, while the Vancouver Maritime Museum and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue will each receive $100,000 until the end of 2015. Seaspan made the donations on behalf of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.

“We are thrilled to be honouring three community partners that not only reflect the Washington Foundation’s focus, they are also tied to the waters and rich history of B.C.’s marine industry,” said Seaspan CEO Jonathan Whitworth. “Today’s announcement demonstrates an investment in helping strengthen our maritime history and culture.”

The donations are the foundation’s first direct donation of their kind in Canada. The Washington Foundation has donated more than $144 million in the US to hundreds of organizations that focus on education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community service.

“The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation takes great pride in helping grow businesses and providing economic opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs and aboriginal peoples,” said Mike Halligan, the foundation’s executive director. “We are excited to help make a real difference in the communities where the Washington Companies, including Seaspan, operate.”

Based in Victoria, SALTS provides sail-training programs for young people aboard its ships Pacific Swift and Pacific Grace and will use the donation to expand its bursary program, which makes it possible for young people to participate when they have limited financial means or are facing illnesses, injuries, physical or mental disabilities.

VMM has been a focus of local maritime history and culture for more than 50 years. “Thanks to this generosity, we will continue to do what we do best – chart the course of marine history for all British Columbians,” said museum executive director Simon Robinson.
RCM-SAR, which provides volunteer support to BC’s professional SAR resources, will use the funds to enhance station readiness throughout the Lower Mainland and build a new crew training facility in East Sooke.