Maritime Reporter, November 2005

<BODY> <div> November 2005 65 Grants, Interest Free Loans from SCI The Seamen's Church Institute of New York & New Jersey (SCI) is helping inland and deep-sea mariners affected by Hurricane Katrina. SCI chaplains in the Gulf Region and the Port of New York & New Jersey are on-site provid- ing counseling and pastoral care, and the Institute is making grants and interest- free loans through SCI's Mariners' Assistance Fund. SCI has long provided financial assistance to mariners and ves- sel crews during times of critical need. In addition, SCI's Ministry on the River team is serving as a clearinghouse of information for mariners and maritime companies whose communications have been affected by the hurricane. In the wake of this disaster, SCI is working to increase the funding available through its Mariners' Assistance Fund to assist these mariners and many others who will need help in the weeks and months ahead. The grants may help them rebuild their homes or feed their families. Donations can made by calling 212-349- 9090 or online at www.seamen- schurch.org. Inland mariners contact Ann Mills at 800-708-1998, amills@seamenschurch.org. Deep-sea mariners contact Deborah G. Blanchard at 212-349-9090, csr@sea- menschurch.org. ESAB Aids Katrina Victims ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. ESAB immediately sent a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross and transported bottled water to the region. ESAB senior management is currently in the region to develop a long-term plan to help with the rebuilding efforts. Throughout North America, ESAB employees are collecting supplies and donating money. Additionally, ESAB is matching employee donations and hold- ing a fundraiser. Many ESAB customers and employees were in the path of the storm and sustained major damage to their homes and businesses. ESAB dis- patched 4,500 gallons of bottled water to the Mississippi region from its plant in Hanover, Pa. ESAB distributor Nordan-Smith provided the means and support to get the water to the hardest hit areas. Jeff Hoffart, Senior Vice-President of Equipment, Cutting Systems and Steel Industry Products, said "I was scheduled to be in Germany, but this is too impor- tant. I really need to go there personally to see how ESAB can help. It is critical to get the right equipment there and get it there fast. The only way to do this is by assessing the needs in the hardest hit areas first hand." ] After the initial needs assessment, ESAB will partner with distributor net- work in the region to help in the rebuild- ing effort. ESAB employees are donat- ing money and needed supplies at all the ESAB facilities in North America. ESAB is also matching employee dona- tions dollar for dollar. "We have many loyal customers in the devastated area that have counted on us for years. They are in desperate need," said Andy Blanchard, President and CEO of ESAB, North America. "Our customers can count on us." Circle 297 on Reader Service Card Circle 296 on Reader Service Card Circle 292 on Reader Service Card �3�I�M�P�L�E�X� �#�O�M�P�A�C�T �¤ �S�L�A�E�3 �- �D�A �E��O�N�L�Y� �I�N�'�E�R�M �N�A �Y �A�3 �L �V�R�E�3��S�E�R�A�P�3��S�E �I �O�.��N�I��E�C �R�T �R�E�M�!��H �I�A�C �3�I �P�M �L �X�E �E�M�! �R�I �S�A�C �#�,�, � �N�O �L�Y� � �� I�N�F �S� �O �I �P�M �L �E�M�A�X�E �R�I �S�A�C � �O�C�M Captain Bill Boyce of the Horizon Producer and a resident of New Orleans (middle) with SCI chaplain, the Rev. Bruce Woodcock (left) and Rivelino dos Santos, SCI chaplain intern from Brazil (right) on Sept. 2. (Photo credit: SCI) </div> <span id="lblContents"></span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.digitalwavepublishing.com/" title="Digital Magazine">Digital Wave Publishing</a> </BODY>