Notice from the Guild of Benevolence

This is a notice to all IMarEST members to look out for a letter from the Guild of Benevolence which will be enclosed in your renewals pack. We would be very grateful if you could take a moment to read this overview of the Guild’s activities during the past year.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic the Guild has increased assistance to those in financial need. Here are just two examples of cases where we have helped:

The Guild received an application from a lady whose husband was a marine engineer from 1972 to 1991 on the cross channel ferries. He sadly died from COVID-19 at 81 years of age. The applicant was on a low income and could not pay the balance of her husband’s funeral costs. The Guild Trustees awarded her a grant to cover the outstanding costs. The Trustees received a heartfelt thank you from the applicant.

The Guild received an application for financial assistance from a gentleman who served in the fishing fleet from 1974 until 1981. He then served in the Merchant Navy from 1981 until 2020 when he was made redundant. He was living alone in rented accommodation and was living off his redundancy money and this was dwindling fast. The gentleman suffered with osteoarthritis and this had caused mobility problems and he was unable to work. The Guild awarded a one off grant to assist him with his living expenses and also awarded a regular grant.

In order to help the Guild to continue to do this vital work well into the future, we ask that you kindly consider making a donation and to also consider, if you are not already, becoming a member of the Guild.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

The Guild Board of Trustees.

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