Giving the Gift of Community

By: Meghan Kort, Communications Coordinator
“Through SALTS we think we can change a life or two.” These are the words of Alastair and Lorraine, two of SALTS’ most recent bursary sponsors. The Calgary couple’s donation will support two full bursaries for trainees experiencing challenging life situations. Alastair and Lorraine say they chose SALTS because they want to give young people the “opportunity to experience life on a tall ship, while learning to work with others in an environment that will leave a lasting impact.”

Alastair and Lorraine's nephew (left) on his first SALTS trip this summer. He sailed our Desolation Sound route on the Pacific Grace.

The couple has a personal connection to SALTS since their son sailed with us eleven years ago and their nephew climbed aboard this past summer. They noticed transformation in both boys’ lives. Eleven years later, their son still has fond memories of the community on board. “It pushed you out of your comfort zone,” he recalls, “forcing you to work with others and interact continuously with them for over a week. That’s a pretty rare thing to find these days.”

At SALTS, we believe that young people need these community building experiences more than ever in today’s fast-paced tech-focused culture. On all of our trips, we ask trainees to leave their devices at home and focus on being present. During every meal, trainees are challenged to listen to each other and keep an open mind as their group members share their experiences, worldviews, and beliefs.

Alastair and Lorraine see value in creating an environment that facilitates genuine in-person connections. “We live in a world that is filled with people and organizations that have embraced absolutism which makes communication between parties that have different perspectives impossible,” explains Alastair. “My experience suggests that lack of communication is our biggest barrier to a better future.” The couple is thrilled to know that the two young people who will receive their bursary support will gain self-confidence and the communication skills needed to foster healthy relationships and communities.

Alastair and Lorraine have decided to support two trainees who will be selected by the Mustard Seed in Calgary. This type of bursary partnership is one of many ways in which you can sponsor a young person’s SALTS trip. For questions about donating to our bursary program directly or setting up a bursary partnership, please give us a call at 250-383-6811 (opt. 1) or email our Booking Manager, Sherilyn at sherilyn@salts.ca.