Christmas Parcels
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Our Christmas Parcel Drive aims to collect gifts from individuals, churches and businesses. We offer a parcel to each seafarer visiting the Port of Montreal during the month of December to communicate that they are seen, loved and valued.
We accept parcels each year from October 1st to December 15th. We start distributing parcels the last week of November (for those ships we know will be out to sea over Christmas) and continue through to January (for the ships we missed who were out to sea over Christmas).
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Pack a Parcel
1. Fill a bag (12" W x 15" H) suitable for a male seafarer. (If you want to make your own bag, please follow this video.)
2. Write a personal note, including your name (and email address if you’re comfortable doing so). Some seafarers like to acknowledge the gift.
3. Enclose new items in their original packaging from these four categories (approx. 2 items/category):
Toiletries: Ex. toothbrush/toothpaste, razor/shaving cream, soap/shampoo, cologne/aftershave, hand sanitizer, face cloth (not white)
Warm Clothing: Ex. toque, gloves, socks, scarf
Snacks: Ex. candy, chocolate, nuts, cookies
Play/Leisure/Gift: Ex. calendar, "Bicycle" playing cards, Canada souvenir such as a magnet or key chain, Sudoku, headlamp or flashlight, compass
4. Don't include heavily scented items such as Irish Spring soap, office supplies, cleaning supplies/products, used items or loose items such as a toothbrush, unwrapped candy or home baking.
5. Deliver, mail in or drop-off your parcel.
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Pack a Virtual Parcel
You can make a $25 donation towards our Christmas Parcel campaign and in return, we will shop, pack and deliver your parcel. Be sure to include a personal message to the seafarer so we can add your note to the gift as well.
From the Donate page, select Pack a Virtual Christmas Parcel from the drop-down list.
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Get Updates
Whether you’re coordinating your local group Christmas Parcel campaign or just want to receive updates for yourself, it’s a good idea to be on our mailing list!
Sign up here if you’re a group coordinator or here if you’re an individual, business or other entity.
NOTE TO ALL GROUP PARTICIPANTS: Please complete and include the Collection Sheet in your shipment.
There are opportunities to volunteer during the Christmas Parcel campaign. Reach out and together, we’ll find a time that fits your schedule.
A Word about Women Seafarers
There are very few women in the shipping industry. We rarely need to give women's items and when we do, M2S has a small budget to make purchases. Therefore, please do not send any items for women.
Parcel Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
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Please book in advance.
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You may book a pick-up if you are located west of Cornwall and east or northeast of Bowmanville, ON.
Pick-up dates are November 15 or 16 depending on your location.
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From November 1-17 (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) between 5h-13h at Ontario Flower Growers (910 Mid-Way Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5T 1T9)
On November 6 and November 20 between 9h-15h at Westbrook/Sierra (4994 North Service Road, Beamsville ON)
Until November 14 (Mon-Thurs, 7h-15h; Fri, 7-10h) at Rehoboth CRC (130 Scugog St, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3J6)
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At the Seafarers’ Centre from Mon-Fri (1-8 PM) or by appointment. Please book in advance.
Location: La Maison des marins, Grand Quai de Montréal, 200 rue de la Commune Ouest, Montreal QC H2Y 4B2. Phone number: 1-514-849-3234.
A West Island location is available upon request.
Resources
Your one-stop shop for all things related to the Christmas parcel campaign.
For adults.
Watch the Christmas parcel packing instructions video. Please note that we have moved away from using boxes and are now strongly recommending bags as they are easier to deliver.
Check out the What to Pack list to guide your shopping.
Check back here for updates throughout the campaign.
For children.
Begin by watching our Christmas parcel packing instructions video aimed at preparing children for this activity.
Then check out the What to Pack list to guide your shopping.
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Posters
Posters to advertise the campaign. There is space to add your details (collection date, contact info, etc.).
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Flyers
Please follow these guidelines so you know what to pack.
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Slides
Group Leaders: Insert one of these slides into your package of announcements.
Ditty Bags for Seafarers
(January-September)
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How it Works
Fill a small ditty bag with an assortment of suggested items. Please ensure that items are new and in their original packaging.
Drop off the ditty bag at the address below during the hours listed.
Alternatively, make a minimum donation of $10 and we'll purchase an assortment of items and deliver them when there is a request from a ship.
Note: Some crews still do not have shore leave due to the pandemic. We've encouraged them to contact us in advance with their list of supplies and we do the purchasing on their behalf. They then reimburse us for their expenses. But sometimes requests come at the last minute and we don't have time to do the shopping/make the deliveries before the ship leaves. In these instances, having supplies on hand can help. Also, when ships leave our port, it can be another 10 days before they dock again somewhere else to try and have their orders fulfilled. Also, not all ports offer shopping services.
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What to include
Toiletries and small essential items are sometimes hard for seafarers to come by — especially if they are unable to take shore leave.
Help us keep items on hand so we can offer to replenish their supplies on a moments notice.
Suggested Items:
Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving foam, razors, aftershave, cologne, dental floss, lip balm, hand cream and body lotion
Snacks: Chocolate, popcorn, gum and assorted nuts
Other: Socks are always welcome as are small souvenirs of Montreal (i.e. key chains, magnets)
Holiday Treats: We mark occasions such as Easter, Day of the Seafarer (June 25), Canada Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Dropping off Ditty Bags
We are open from from Mon-Fri (1-8 PM) or by appointment. It’s always best to call ahead.
The Ministry to Seafarers is located in:
Mariners' House/La Maison des marins
Grand Quai de Montréal
200 rue de la Commune Ouest
Montreal QC H2Y 4B2
514-849-3234
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks for your care and support! It was very exciting to open the bag and look inside! Special thanks to Marie for the warm greeting inside the greeting card!”
— Andrii R., Seafarer