Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences hands over clothing donations to the Seamen's Mission

The cold winter in Germany is always a challenge for seafarers from warmer parts of the world. They often have no warm clothing and therefore sometimes wear flip-flops and T-shirts when they disembark in cold temperatures in Bremerhaven.  This is where the German Seamen's Mission in Bremerhaven can help with donated clothing. As the clothing store was almost empty at the end of the year, the organisation called for donations. Students, staff and lecturers at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences therefore dug deep into their wardrobes and collected warm jumpers, jackets and hats. A car boot full of bulging bags of clothes has now been handed over to the Seamen's Mission. 

There was a particular lack of warm jackets and jumpers for the seafarers who were surprised by the sudden winter cold. Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences took this as an opportunity to launch an internal appeal. The building management team provided premises in which the bags of clothing could be collected and organised the transport of the donations. "Our university has a long and close connection to seafaring. It is a matter of course for us to support the work of the dedicated employees and volunteers of the German Seamen's Mission in Bremerhaven by donating clothes. We hope that we can help a little to keep the seafarers warm through the winter," says Rector Prof Dr Dr Alexis Papathanassis. 

It is not only the seafarers from warm countries who do not have clothing for the icy winters in Bremerhaven. Sometimes they get into emergencies and have to stay in the seaside city longer than planned. "We also look after seafarers who have had accidents and are hospitalised or who are stranded in Bremerhaven for other reasons. Some only have the clothes they are already wearing because the ship has already sailed on with their belongings," says Pastor Uwe Baumhauer from the Seamen's Mission. Clothing donations are very valuable for these people.

Even after the donation from the university, there is still room in the clothing store. The Seamen's Mission is therefore still happy to accept warm men's clothing. Jumpers and jackets as well as hats and scarves are needed. Shoes, stockings and underwear cannot be accepted. Anyone wishing to hand in clothing can contact the Seemannshotel (Schifferstraße 51-55, Bremerhaven) directly. Reception is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 7 pm.