Piracy survivor Captain Richard Phillips speaks at Saint John Hope in the City Breakfast

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    WEB1Captain Richard Phillips, who famously survived a pirate hijacking off the coast of Somalia, spoke in Saint John today to support The Salvation Army’s third annual Hope in the City Fundraising Breakfast. The event drew a crowd of approximately 900 to the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre for a morning of networking, entertainment and education. The event raises funds for The Salvation Army’s Community Response Unit (CRU) based in the Port City.

    A native of Winchester, Mass., Captain Phillips was in command of the container ship MV Maersk Alabama in April 2009 when it was hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of the African country. The first hijacking of an American vessel in more than 200 years, the story made headline news as Captain Phillips was held captive for five days. He was rescued by Navy SEALs in a dramatic operation. The hijacking was featured in the 2013 film ‘Captain Philips’, the title role portrayed by Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. The film was nominated for six different best picture awards.

    WEB3On this morning, Captain Phillips retold his harrowing story to the gathered crowd. He focused on leaving the crowd with three points: That we are stronger than we think, that nothing is over until we give up or give in, and that a dedicated, coordinated, focused team of people can accomplish anything and overcome any obstacle. He also gave insight into what helped him survive his ordeal.

    “I realized that I never prayed for rescue,” he said. “I prayed for strength and patience. I asked God to give me the strength to never give up and to do the best that I could do in my situation. When you’re trying to stay calm, a little faith does help.”

    He concluded his talk by reciting the Edgar Albert Guest poem See it Through, which fit perfectly with a story of enduring under pressure. The final verse of the poem reads: Even hope may seem futile, when with troubles you’re beset, but remember you are facing just what other men have met. You may fail, but fall still fighting; don’t give up, whate’er you do; eyes front, head high to the finish, see it through.

    WEB2The CRU is a mobile canteen based in Saint John that allows The Salvation Army to quickly respond in times of crisis all over New Brunswick. The CRU responds when called upon to all forms of disaster, including fires and floods, assisting affected residents and supporting first responders. The CRU also provides weekly service from November to March to five priority neighbourhoods in Saint John to help those living in poverty.

    “It is a great pleasure to again celebrate Hope in the City in Saint John,” says Major Alison Cowling, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army. “Thank you to everyone for making this event a tremendous success. Your support allows us to continue to provide the basic necessities of life – food, shelter and clothing – to those in-need in our community.”

    The morning was made possible thanks to numerous sponsors who partnered with The Salvation Army for this event. Among the top level – or Platinum sponsors – are: Telus, Telegraph Journal, JD Irving Limited, Midland Transport, Mrs. Jean E. Irving and RBC Wealth Management.

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