Flying Angel Mission

Location: Cherry St. & Unwin Ave., in the Port Lands

Date photo taken: 23 June 2019

Last year while walking in the Port Lands I noticed this sign, half hidden and looking more than a little weather-beaten. I thought it was intriguing enough to snap a picture but then promptly forgot about it. Recently however I listened to a podcast about the fate of the men and women working aboard the world's shipping vessels during COVID-19 and it has inspired me to post this. During COVID-19 these workers have been deemed essential personnel as they ensure that the global flow of goods continues. During the pandemic however most ports ban sailors from leaving their ships. It is estimated that each month 100,000 mariners reach the end of their contracts. Under normal circumstances they would leave their ships and fly home but this hasn't been possible during COVID. Many have seen their contracts extended with no opportunity to see family or friends. This is where The Flying Angel Mission comes in. The Flying Angels is a worldwide organization that supports seafarers. While a society of the Anglican church, they support "seafarers of all faiths - and none". The Southern Ontario chapter describes themselves as "The Ministry of Small Gestures: keeping the Wifi running, the coffee hot". In normal times they provide access to chaplains but also to basic services such as transportation to local shopping facilities, as ports are often far removed from the commercial centre and aren't usually well-serviced by public transportation. During COVID they are fundraising to enable them to provide a greater range of support, from increased advocacy to portable Mifi units to allow shipboard personnel to connect with family and friends.