They leave the Kattegat for the Atlantic ocean
During the spring, Stena Line’s collaboration with the charity organisation Mercy Ships was awarded. This collaboration is about more than just participating in charity, it is also about sharing our know-how and expertise. Accordingly, we have started a joint volunteer program, and this summer the first two volunteers will fly down to the Africa Mercy.
This summer, two of Stena Lines employees are flying south to volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy. At first, the ship will be in Las Palmas for planned maintenance and thereafter it will sail to Guinea on the west coast of Africa. First in line is Johnny Joensuu, 34, 3rd Engineer on the Stena Saga on the Oslo-Frederikshavn route.
“It’s always exciting to be the first one out. You’ll get this chance once in your life so why not seize it?, says Johnny, who will be working as a volunteer for three months from 27 May.”
At the end of June he will be joined by Maria Ekstrand, 46, Floor Manager onboard the Stena Jutlandica on the Gothenburg-Frederikshavn route. Maria will be working in the mess for just over three months. Since Maria is a true globetrotter and likes challenges, she immediately became interested when she heard about the volunteer program.
“I needed something new as 2017 was a tough year in many ways… I felt the need to see something else to get a perspective on things and appreciate the life I live, Maria says.”
She is most excited about visiting Guinea and taking part in their culture.
“I’m very curious about their culture and, hopefully, I’ll get the chance to go ashore on the days I’m not working onboard”
According to Mercy Ships’ values, all volunteers work for free. But the employees who are recruited for the program are guaranteed leave of absence and Stena Line pays for the journey and all the necessary vaccinations.
"I felt I needed to see something else to get a perspective on things and appreciate the life I live." – Maria Ekstrand
"You’ll only get this chance once in your life." – Johnny Joensuu
To read more about Stena Line’s collaboration with Mercy Ships – please read more here
