Christmas Parcels

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

1. Fill a bag (about 12" W x 15" H) completely. It is better to have a small full bag than a half empty big bag. Use the rule of 4 categories: toiletries, warm clothing, snacks and a play/leisure/special item.
2. Enclose a Christmas card with a personal note and your name (and email address if you’re comfortable doing so). Some of those who receive these gifts like to acknowledge them.
3. Parcel contents DOs: Do enclose new items in their original packaging from these four categories: 
   • TOILETRIES: Ex. toothbrush/toothpaste, razor/shaving cream, soap/shampoo, cologne/aftershave, face cloth (not white)
   • WARM CLOTHING: Ex. toque, gloves, socks, scarf
   • SNACKS: Ex. candy, chocolate, nuts, Boy Bawang
   • PLAY/LEISURE/GIFT: Ex. calendar, "Bicycle" playing cards, Canada souvenir such as a magnet or keychain, Sudoku, travel cribbage/peg board, compass
   • Pandemic-friendly items such as a face mask or small bottle of hand sanitizer are acceptable as well. 
4. Parcel contents DON'Ts: Don't include heavily scented items such as Irish Spring soap, office supplies, cleaning supplies/products, used items or unpackaged items such as a toothbrush or loose candy.

Thank you for preparing this parcel like you were giving it as a gift to someone you personally know and love. 

Note: Normally dollar stores carry Christmas-themed bags and these are suitable for our purposes.

If you'd like to sew a bag, please use the guidelines in the How to Make a Drawstring bag video. While we have no affiliation with the person who made this video, it's perfect for our context and will help ensure that all bags are the same size. 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 also have a limited number of bags for sale. You can place your order here. The invoice will arrive with the order and can be paid by cheque or PayPal.

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.

You can make a donation towards our Christmas Parcel campaign and in return, we will shop, pack and deliver your parcel. (A donation of $25 equals one gift.) 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 Challenge '21: Pack a virtual Christmas parcel from the drop-down list.

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.)

You can drop off parcels at our centre in the Old Port of Montreal from Mon-Fri (12-6 PM) or you can send them by courrier/regular mail. If you do come by the office, please wear a mask. You will also need to check-in electronically upon arrival for contact tracing purposes, if necessary.

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
514-849-3234