Christmas Parcels

For the 2019 drive, we are asking that parcels be placed in a sturdy gift bag (about 12" W x 15" H) and filled with both practical items and treats. A card with a personal note, although optional, is always most appreciated by all seafarers.

While we have no affiliation with the person who made this video, it's perfect for our context. It took our tester 20 minutes to sew a bag using this How to Make a Drawstring bag video. The only change we suggest is beginning with a piece of fabric that measures 14" x 32" in order to end up with a finished product of 12" x 15".

We accept parcels all the way through December. The earlier the better - we start handing out parcels the last week of November (for those ships we know will be out to sea over Christmas.) However, we give out parcels sometimes into the first week of January (for the ships we missed who were out to sea over Christmas.)

To ensure that parcels are of similar value, we ask that you follow the following guidelines as closely as possible:

1. Fill a shoe bag (about 12" W x 15" H) completely. It is better to have a small full bag than a half empty big bag.
2. Enclose a Christmas card with a personal note and your name (and address if you’re comfortable doing so). Some of those who receive these gifts like to acknowledge them.
3. Parcel contents: Enclose one or more of the following new items: scarf, toque, gloves, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, calendar, packaged candy, aftershave lotion, face cloth, playing cards, soap, nail clipper, picture frame (no glass), a small souvenir of Canada etc. (Please Note: Dollar store gloves and hats are totally acceptable - the seafarers don't wear them for work or play but rather when they are here, and other cold cities, they use them to just keep warm when off ship. Most seafarers find our climate VERY cold!)

We sometimes receive parcels that contain used items. Please, give of your best, not of what you no longer want or need.

A Word About Women Seafarers
There are very few women in the shipping industry. We rarely need to give women's parcels, and when we do, M2S has a small budget to make such parcels as needed. Therefore, we ask that you please do not send any parcels for women.

Stay tuned for the 2019 Christmas Parcel drive drop-off locations. They will be announced in the autumn. We thank Westbrook Floral for partnering with us in 2018.

You can drop off parcels at our centre in the Old Port of Montreal from Mon-Fri (2-10 PM) and Sat-Sun (3-10 PM) or you can send them by courier/regular mail.

When sending the parcels by delivery service, address box(es) to:
Mariners' House/The Ministry to Seafarers
Grand Quai de Montréal
200 rue de la Commune Ouest
Montreal QC H2Y 4B2
514-849-3234

When sending by Canada Post:
The Ministry to Seafarers of the CRC
PO Box 128, Place D’Armes
Montreal, QC H2Y 3E9