National Bank of Fujairah extends further support to seafarers through Angel Appeal

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) announced that it has donated AED 100,000 to the Angel Appeal, a charitable initiative that supports seafarers anchored off the coast of the UAE. This is the second year running that the bank has pledged financial support, which will go towards operating the “Flying Angel,” a boat that seeks to improve the living conditions of seamen off the coasts of Fujairah. 

The Angel Appeal initiative is driven by the Mission to Seafarers, a charity organisation providing relief to sailors in over 250 ports across the world, and its Flying Angel vessel offers a variety of services, of which the library, free Internet access as well as counselling support from welfare officers on board prove tremendously popular. Nearly 2,000 seafarers use the Flying Angel’s facilities every month to contact home or seek respite from their lives at sea. 

Alan Maitland Smith, Head of Internal Audit and Chairman of NBF’s CSR Committee said that the on-going partnership with Angel Appeal reaffirms the bank’s support of the Fujairah community. In May, NBF announced a programme sponsoring select Emiratis from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Fujairah for future careers with the bank, following a donation of AED 250,000 the year before in support of needy students from the college. The bank also organised a Ramadan charity drive with Angel Appeal last year, in which staff donated and distributed daily essentials to seafarers and port workers in Fujairah and Dubai. 

“We are pleased to play a continuing role in Angel Appeal’s relief efforts. Contributing to the community in such a regular and meaningful fashion has not only engendered greater staff pride for the bank but reinforces our commitment towards Fujairah’s progress. 

“Through our on-going support of Angel Appeal, we hope to not only raise awareness of the meaningful work undertaken by the Mission to Seafarers but do our bit in support of our fellow man.” 

Dr. Paul Burt, Director, Mission to Seafarers, UAE, said: “We at the Angel Appeal greatly appreciate the wonderful support we continue to receive from the National Bank of Fujairah. 

“Life out at sea is stressful and sometimes dangerous, with each seafarer having to endure challenges ranging from isolation, abandonment by ship owners, and threats of piracy. Without the support provided by organisations such as NBF, the Flying Angel would not be able to carry out its vital work of connecting seamen to their families and providing resources dedicated to improving their welfare. Thousands of seafarers will benefit from NBF’s generosity, and I would like to once again thank the bank for supporting our cause.”