Stella Maris Hosts Annual BBQ for Antwerp Seafarers' Welfare Volunteers

The volunteers of Antwerp Seafarers' Welfare (ASW) gathered on Saturday, 18 July, for their annual barbecue at 't Plaasj Kaffee on Antwerp's Left Bank. The event brought together volunteers and staff for an afternoon of fellowship and appreciation and was generously hosted by Stella Maris Antwerp.

Throughout the year, Antwerp Seafarers' Welfare depends on a large team of volunteers who support its ministry to seafarers in many ways. They welcome visitors at the Seamen's Club in the Antwerp Harbour Hotel (AHH), assist in the Seamen's Shop, visit ships, accompany the Rolling Store, and provide practical support in other welfare activities across the port.

The gathering also provided an opportunity to thank and bid farewell to the volunteers of the Deutsche Seemannsmission (DSM). After completing their secondary education, these young volunteers spent a gap year serving the seafarer welfare ministry in the Port of Antwerp. Their contribution has been greatly appreciated by both the welfare team and the seafarers they served.

The DSM volunteers returned home after a year of volunteering for welfare efforts in the Port of Antwerp. They are Luka Reusch from Berlin, Finn Reisel from Saarbrücken, and Elisha Eribo from the state of Hesse. 

Stella Maris Antwerp is pleased to support this annual event as a way of recognising the dedication of all ASW volunteers, whose ongoing commitment plays an essential role in providing care and hospitality to seafarers visiting the Port of Antwerp.