CalMac's new charity link up supports seafarers' children

Disadvantaged young people living in seafaring communities are set to benefit from a £5k grant from ferry operator CalMac.

The west coast based company has made the donation to the Sailors' Orphan Society of Scotland to help fund their work. 

As well as supporting young people living in coastal towns, the charity is also committed to feeding, clothing and educating children of deceased seafarers.

CalMac's Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement , Brian Fulton said: 

'In their 130th year it seemed a very good fit to make a meaningful donation to support the valuable work they do with young people. CalMac is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the communities we serve, so it is a logical step for us to help charities who support people within these communities.

'We hope this is the start of long and mutually positive relationship with the Society.'

CalMac is the UK's largest ferry operating serving 28 routes to island and remote mainland destinations with a fleet of 33 vessels. Last year it carried more than 5.3 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles.

The Sailors' Orphan Society Scotland was established in 1889 and initially focused on running children's homes for orphans. By 1907 545 children were being cared for in homes. Today, the focus of the Society has shifted from residential homes to giving grants to support young people in the community. 

They currently support 47 individuals with grants of £110 a month.
 
Chairman of the Society, Michael Abram said:

'We are currently looking at ways of increasing our funding streams to finance and sustain our work for the future, so this donation is extremely timely and we will be using it to support our core work with young people in seafaring communities.'

Picture shows: CalMac's Director of Community and Stakeholder Relations Brian fulton presents the donation to Society Chairman, Michael Abram.