Sandra Welch, director of program for Sailors’ Society, has been promoted to deputy CEO of the global maritime welfare charity.
Welch, who joined the charity in 2014, will continue to head up the program team, overseeing chaplaincy work in 85 ports across 26 countries, innovative welfare app development, the charity’s Wellness at Sea program and building houses, schools and medical centers for seafaring communities torn apart by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
The charity, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2018, provides spiritual comfort and practical help to merchant seafarers, like phone cards and transport to local shops, as well as liaising with families back home and helping with education.
“In the last five years alone, we have reached out to 1.4 million seafarers and helped more than 4,000 people with healthcare, education and housing,” Welch said. “I’m very proud of all we have achieved and look forward to a very exciting few years as we build up to our big birthday.”