Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has mobilised some 35,000 volunteers working in more than 70 countries. Free services provided to date, are valued at more than $1.66 billion, treating more than 2.77 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships has more than 1,600 volunteers from more than 40 nations. Volunteer medical professionals and crew have completed 590 port visits in 56 developing nations and 18 developed nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org.au