Eastern Pacific Shipping kicks off EPS To The Moon Fundraiser with Mercy Ships matching S$2 million target, launches 384,400km goal at Ironman Langkawi

SINGAPORE, 14 October 2024 – Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has officially launched its highly anticipated biannual fundraiser, EPS To The Moon, with a commitment from Mercy Ships to match EPS’s S$2 million target, potentially doubling the total impact to S$4 million. The campaign aims to collectively cover 384,400 kilometers, the distance from Earth to the Moon, and support Mercy Ships’ life-saving medical work in underserved communities.

Kicking off this ambitious target, EPS made an impressive debut at Ironman Langkawi, where two teams
and six individuals participated in the full and half Ironman, marking the first official mileage of the
fundraiser.

The EPS athletes achieved remarkable results, taking home:

• 1^st Place in Overall Full Ironman (35-39 Age Group)
• 2^nd Place in 70.3 Ironman (25-29 Age Group)
• 3^rd Place in 70.3 Ironman (40-44 Age Group)
• 4^th Place in 70.3 Ironman Relay

These outstanding performances symbolize the start of the EPS To The Moon challenge, setting the tone for the collective effort required to reach the Moon. The Ironman achievements are a testament to the determination and teamwork of EPS employees, echoing the larger mission of the fundraiser: to bring together the maritime community for a cause that transcends borders.

EPS To The Moon continues the tradition of EPS’s biannual fundraisers, which have been a hallmark of the company’s commitment to global philanthropy since 2020 in honour of the late Sammy Ofer KBE (1922-2011), a shipping magnate, seafarer advocate, and philanthropist. Previous editions, known as the “Around the World” fundraiser, saw participants raise over S$1 million per event, covering tens of thousands of kilometers. This year, EPS is aiming even higher, with the potential to raise S$4 million, thanks to the Mercy Ships donation-matching pledge.

“Taking our biannual challenge to the next level with EPS To The Moon is a reflection of our ambitious spirit and unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact,” said Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer of EPS. “Our global presence connects us to communities far beyond the maritime industry, and it’s this connection that motivates us to come together to support those who need it most. We’re proud to stand alongside Mercy Ships in their mission to deliver critical healthcare to those who lack access to it. Together, through EPS To The Moon, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference on a global scale.”

Campaign Details:

• Dates: 12 to 31 October 2024
• Fundraising Goal: S$2 million, with Mercy Ships matching the total for a combined impact of S$4 million
• Distance: Participants will track their kilometers via Strava app by walking, running, or cycling to collectively cover 384,400 kilometers.

How to Participate:

• Track Your Kilometers: EPS employees, partners, and supporters are invited to join the journey by logging their distances on Strava (Record your “WALK” as a “RUN” activity for the mileage to be captured due to Strava group setting limitation. “Walk” activity will not be captured in statistics).
• Contribute: Donations can be made through the EPS To The Moon portal via www.epshipping.com.sg/to-the-moon/ with every dollar matched by Mercy Ships.

Funds raised through EPS To The Moon will directly support Mercy Ships, which operates the world’s largest civilian hospital ships, delivering free medical care and capacity-building programs to some of the most underserved regions in the world. Over the past 45 years, Mercy Ships has treated over 2.77 million people and provided medical services valued at more than US$1.66 billion.

“This is a really remarkable campaign, not only because of the sum of money being raised, but also because of the opportunity for people to participate. It’s great that even ships’ crew, offshore workers, people in the most remote locations around the world can participate,” says Rick Menzies, Chief Partnerships Officer of Mercy Ships APAC.

“As EPS embarks on this mission to cover the distance to the Moon and beyond, we call on the global maritime community to join us in reaching this goal. Every kilometer and every donation will help create a world where everyone, regardless of geography or circumstance, can access life-saving medical care,” added Mr Ducau.

For more information on how to participate or donate to the event, please visit www.epshipping.com.sg/to-the-moon/ or contact corpcomms@epshipping.com.sg. 

About Eastern Pacific Shipping

With a history spanning 60 years, Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd. (“EPS”) is a leading shipping company that is committed to the green and technology-driven growth of the industry. Headquartered in Singapore for the past 30 years, EPS is driven by its mission to be the safe and efficient transportation provider of choice to the shipping industry. Empowering that mission is a 6,000 strong and growing workforce across sea and shore. They oversee a versatile fleet of over 300 vessels and 31 million deadweight-tonnes across four core segments of containership, dry bulk, gas and tanker vessels. EPS’ shore team is fully integrated with in-house commercial, finance, innovation, IT, legal, manning, operations, and technical departments.

For more information, please contact EPS Corporate Communications at corpcomms@epshipping.com.sg 

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships is an international charity that operates the world’s two largest civilian hospital ships, delivering free, world-class healthcare to people in need in developing nations. Over the past 45 years, Mercy Ships has mobilized over 35,000 volunteers, providing healthcare services valued at more than $1.66 billion. They have treated more than 2.77 million people across 56 countries, offering life-saving surgeries and medical training to communities that lack access to basic healthcare. Their mission is to bring hope and healing to those most in need.