Past Event Report

October 31, 2009

HMS Belfast Fundraiser, London, UK

Sea Shepherd UK hosted their first major fundraising event on the evening of Halloween. The fundraiser was held onboard the 1939, town class destroyer HMS Belfast. Captain Paul Watson as well as Sea Shepherd directors from the US and Europe accompanied over 150 guests.

The evening guests were piped onboard HMS Belfast by the Ship’s Bosun and greeted by an UltraViolet poi performance as well as squeeze-box and accordion playing Pirates!

A Shaolin Monk and Shoalin students gave an impressive demonstration of the Martial Art to a highly impressed Captain Watson.

The buffet dinner was followed by an address from Captain Watson after which he presented certificates to the UK’s best fundraisers in recognition of their fund raising achievements for Sea Shepherd.

International CEO, Steve Roest, appointed Peter Hall as Patron of Sea Shepherd UK and presented Peter with the campaign flag from Operation Musashi that was flown onboard the Steve Irwin. Peter responded by presenting Sea Shepherd with a cheque for £50,000.

Captain Watson received a special gift himself – A specially commissioned hemp jacket from the ethical clothing company Hoodlamb. The jacket is reinforced with strategically placed Kevlar panels.

The evening progressed with entertainment from two live bands. The Smiths tribute band The Smyths provided a storming set, barely distinguishable form the original act! This was followed by a superb performance from Sea Shanty rockers – Kozzie Johns and the Sinnerstar Collective.