Seaspan Announces Multi-Year, Million-Plus Dollar Donation in B.C.’s Marine and Port Community

North Vancouver, B.C. – On behalf of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation (the

"Washington Foundation"), Seaspan announced today a multi-year donation of $1.1 million to

three British Columbia marine and port community charitable organizations.

Partnering with Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS), Vancouver Maritime Museum (VMM),

and Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue (RCM-SAR), the Washington Foundation’s fiveyear

commitment will extend through 2017.

“We are thrilled to be honouring three community partners that not only reflect the Washington

Foundation’s focus, they are also tied to the waters and rich history of B.C.’s marine industry,”

said Jonathan Whitworth, Seaspan CEO, speaking on behalf of the Washington Foundation.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates an investment in helping strengthen our maritime history

and culture.”

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation’s charitable donations are the organization's

first direct donation of their kind in Canada. Since its inception, the Washington Foundation has

donated more than $144 million in the United States to hundreds of organizations that focus on

education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community service.

Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Washington Foundation, says today’s announcement

is the start of an exciting inaugural collaboration with Canadian charitable organizations in

British Columbia.

“The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation takes great pride in helping grow businesses

and providing economic opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs and Aboriginal peoples.

We are excited to help make a real difference in the communities where the Washington

Companies, including Seaspan, Southern Railway and Envirocon Environmental Services

operate.”

“Each year, SALTS provides over 1700 young people with the life-changing experience of living

in close community and learning to sail a traditional tall ship,” said Loren Hagerty, Executive

Director. “The challenges and growth brought by life at sea help prepare each young person for

life ashore. This generous donation will allow us to increase access to our program for young

people who are disadvantaged or at risk, or suffering from serious medical conditions.”

“For more than 50 years, the Vancouver Maritime Museum has been the focal point of Canada’s

Pacific coast for B.C.’s maritime culture and industry,” said Simon Robinson, Executive

Director. “Thanks to this generosity, we will continue to do what we do best - chart the course of

marine history for all British Columbians.”

“This contribution will enhance the readiness of our rescue stations around the Lower Mainland,

and benefit our entire organization by helping build a new training facility for our nearly 1,000

volunteer crew members,” said Jim Lee, President, Royal Canadian Marine Search and

Rescue. “RCM-SAR is a vital part of the marine rescue system on the West Coast, and we are

very pleased that the Washington Foundation and Seaspan are supporting the work we do to

save lives on the water.”