Mission to Seafarers Vancouver · Christmas at Sea 2026
Christmas at Sea
Help us fill 1,600 Christmas gift bags for seafarers far from home.
While many of us spend Christmas surrounded by family and friends, thousands of seafarers spend the holiday season at sea. This Christmas, Vancouver can remind them they have not been forgotten.
1,600 Bags. One Big Vancouver Welcome.
Seafarers spend months away from their families to keep global trade moving. Christmas can make that distance feel even greater. Our volunteers, supporters and maritime partners help bring Christmas directly to visiting crews.
“We see you. We appreciate you. You are welcome here.”
From Vancouver to the Vessel
On Christmas Eve, gift bags begin making their way to ships. With the support of local maritime partners, the bags travel across the harbour and are delivered to visiting vessels, with distribution continuing to ships at berth while supplies last.
Each bag is filled with practical essentials, warm clothing, treats and a little piece of Canada. It is more than a gift—it is a reminder that someone ashore cares.
Help Fill a Christmas Gift Bag
You don't have to fill an entire bag to make a difference. Donate one item or organize a collection. Every contribution brings us closer to 1,600.
Please donate new, unused items only.
Prefer to Let Us Do the Shopping?
Make a financial donation and our team will purchase the items most needed to complete the remaining bags.
Financial contributions give us the flexibility to fill gaps in donated items and help ensure that as many of our 1,600 Christmas bags as possible are ready for visiting seafarers.
MAKE A CHRISTMAS DONATIONA SIMPLE GIFT. A MEANINGFUL WELCOME.
Give a little Christmas joy to someone far from home.
Your contribution helps turn community generosity into practical care delivered directly to seafarers.
Drop Off Your Gifts
Waterfront Seafarers Centre
401 E Waterfront Road
Vancouver, BC
Questions? 604-253-4421
Please bring donated items to the Centre by December 10 so our volunteers have enough time to sort, prepare and pack the bags before distribution.
Bring Christmas at Sea to Your Workplace or Community
Reaching 1,600 seafarers takes a community. We welcome participation from maritime companies, businesses, churches, schools, service clubs and community organizations.
Host a Gift Drive
Choose one or more items and invite your employees, members or community to contribute.
Sponsor Gift Bags
Make a financial contribution to help purchase the remaining items needed.
Volunteer
Help our team sort, prepare and pack gifts for distribution.
Spread the Word
Display the campaign poster and share Christmas at Sea with your network.
How Your Gift Reaches a Seafarer
You Give
Gifts arrive from individuals, workplaces, churches, businesses and the maritime community.
We Pack
Volunteers sort donations and prepare Christmas bags for visiting crews.
Community Delivers
Partners help the Christmas bags make their way across Vancouver's harbour.
Seafarer Receives
Sometimes aboard a vessel after weeks or months away from home.
Why Christmas at Sea Matters
Behind every ship arriving in Vancouver is a crew of people.
They transport the food, fuel, equipment and everyday goods our communities depend on. Their work keeps global trade moving, but it can also mean spending months away from home.
Throughout the year, Mission to Seafarers Vancouver provides practical, emotional and spiritual care to visiting seafarers, regardless of nationality, faith, gender or background.
At Christmas, we take that welcome directly to them.
Help Us Reach 1,600 Seafarers This Christmas
One pair of socks. One chocolate bar. One workplace collection. One donation. Individually, they may seem small. Together, they become 1,600 reminders that someone in Vancouver cares.