Seaspan is committed to investing in our communities, protecting our marine environment and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all, and 2023 was no exception.
From raising funds to support our most vulnerable neighbours to building habitats for local wildlife, the Seaspan team went above and beyond last year to make a difference where we live and work – right here on the North Shore. In 2023, Seaspan donated approximately $100,000 to organizations across the North Shore that support our communities.
As we enter a new year, we reflect on the progress made and our ambitions for the future, solidifying our commitment to continue to grow, collaborate, and innovate.
Bringing North Shore history into the classroom: MONOVA education kit program
Seaspan teamed up with the Museum of North Vancouver to help make learning about North Vancouver’s history more accessible for educators. Through sponsoring their education kit program, the kits became a free resource for teachers across the Lower Mainland as of last year.
Each kit includes a lesson plan and supporting materials on topics including: “the Chief Dan George Story” and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Community: Our People and Places.”
Giving back with our waterfront neighbours
Seaspan is a founding member of the North Shore Waterfront Gala and the 10th annual event, which took place last year, raised $243,000 to help support youth and families on the North Shore.
Backpack Buddies and the North Shore Crisis Services Society were also selected to receive annual grants of $50,000 each per year for two years.
Supporting healthy communities: Family Services of the North Shore
Family Services is a non-profit that supports the most vulnerable people across our communities on the North Shore. They provide resources to address trauma, abuse, loneliness and mental health issues to prevent addiction, violence, and poverty.
Seaspan was honoured to support the great work that Family Services of the North Shore provides year-round to ensure people receive the support and services they need when they need it.
Creating a habitat haven for juvenile salmon on the North Shore: Pacific Salmon Foundation
Seaspan supported the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Community Salmon Program to help the North Shore Streamkeepers advance restoration work at Lynn Creek, which is a salmon-bearing creek.
The creek suffered from troubling drought conditions for several years and received a significant makeover last summer to improve habitat for juvenile salmon. Seaspan has supported the Pacific Salmon Foundation since 2013 and has contributed $118,500 to advance community-based salmon habitat restoration.
Support for skills training for the next generation of shipbuilders: BCIT
In an effort to expand early access to skills training and education, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Seaspan and Southern Railway of British Columbia, donated $5.5 million to BCIT to deliver trades training to high school students.
The funding will be used to create a new Trades Foundation for Youth Program for students in Grades 11 and 12 at four high schools located in Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge. The program will be a game changer for creating opportunities for careers for in-need skilled trades: piping, electrical, metal fabrication, and marine fitter.
Supporting our communities: United Way British Columbia
For more than 30 years, Seaspan has partnered with United Way British Columbia for an annual fundraising campaign. The organization serves more than 4.5 million British Columbians and focuses on urgent response, children and youth, seniors, poverty, mental health, and food security. In 2023, Seaspan’s campaign raised $200,000 to support our communities across B.C.
Protecting our marine environment
Caring about the environment and our communities is critical to the long-term success and sustainability of Seaspan’s operations. Last year, Seaspan was recognized by the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce with an Environmental Initiative Award for efforts across its three shipyards and marine operations.
From introducing new programs and incentives to reducing waste to exploring low-carbon fuel alternatives, Seaspan is always looking for ways to extend care beyond its operations at sea and on shore to make a positive impact.
For more information about sponsorship and donation requests please visit: www.seaspan.com/social-responsibility/.
