The preservation of an important historic vessel is doing more than protecting the past, it’s saving lives in the future. This timeless icon of maritime history is being transformed into a mobile healthcare clinic, thanks to the collaboration of several maritime organizations.
Christina DeSimone, President and CEO of Future Care, Inc. and the founder of the People Reaching Out Foundation announced their support of The Chauncy Maples Project, Lake Malawi’s first mobile health clinic. Through this support and that of other organizations, the M/V Chauncy Maples, a 110 year old ship and the oldest floating ship in Africa, will be used to treat Malawians living around this 350 mile lake.
“The Chauncy Maples Project is a unique opportunity to renovate an historic vessel, while providing badly needed medical services in remote areas around Lake Malawi”, said DeSimone. “Both Future Care and the People Reaching Out Foundation seek to support efforts which benefit underserved populations such as the villagers of Lake Malawi.”
In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Thomas Miller, manager of the UK P&I Club, is sponsoring the project and leading the fundraising efforts. More than $1,500,000 has already been raised for the project – 85% from Thomas Miller’s community. Michael Jarrett, President and CEO of Thomas Miller (Americas) Inc. states “I am pleased to welcome Future Care, Inc., an important Thomas Miller partner, and its foundation, People Reaching Out to this important fundraising effort, and to thank them for their generous pledge of support.”