A Shared Belief
Founded in 1983 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Friend Ships is an all-volunteer international relief organization that provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief to communities impacted by natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and other crises. For the past 40 years, they have delivered supplies, emergency assistance, medical support, and recovery resources both domestically and internationally.
Seaman Corporation’s relationship with Friend Ships began in 1996. The partnership is rooted in a shared belief that businesses can make a meaningful difference beyond the products they manufacture. Motivated by our core values of Do What’s Right, Work Together, and Create Solutions, Seaman Corporation’s ongoing partnership with Friend Ships is in direct alignment with our vision: to safeguard valuable assets by providing the best protective solutions in the world. In this case, those solutions are donated material, and the valuable assets are the people, communities, and critical resources served through disaster relief efforts.
Kim Seaman, Executive Director – Seaman Family Foundation:
“We truly value our long-standing relationship and are grateful that our fabric can be part of the support they offer communities recovering from disaster and humanitarian crises.”
By the Numbers
- More than 516,000 yds. of fabric donated since 2014
- 30+ year partnership with ongoing annual support through 2026
- Donated fabric has been shipped to more than 9 countries
Turning Materials into Relief
The donated materials serve a wide range of practical purposes during disaster response and humanitarian missions. Fabric is sent to Friend Ships year-round – not in one large delivery – which gives Friend Ships the flexibility to address needs as they arise. Every roll donated provides materials that Friend Ships can use to support recovery efforts, temporary protection, and humanitarian response activities when communities are most vulnerable. Seaman Corporation materials have supported humanitarian efforts in communities across the United States and internationally.
Photo taken by Friend Ships
From reports by Friend Ships, donated materials have been used for purposes such as:
- Repairing shelters and temporary structures
- Creating flooring and interior partitions
- Protecting equipment and generators
- Extending the life of medical, housing, and aid facilities
- Protecting storm-damaged buildings
- Supporting low-income homeowners
- Assisting local organizations responding to emergencies
For communities facing uncertainty, these materials are often used as temporary protection while longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts are underway.
Don & Sondra Tiption, Founders & Directors – Friend Ships:
“There are so many vital ways that the vinyl fabric provides critical, long-lasting, and unique applications for aid. We are very grateful to Seaman [Corporation] for their overwhelming support and generous heart for people in desperate circumstances.”
Historical Support
- Jamaica, 2025: According to Friend Ships’ report, Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction, damaging or destroying approximately 120,000 structures. Friend Ships supplied volunteers and donated material to help rebuild the communities impacted .
- Florida, 2023-2024: More than 100,000 homes were damaged during hurricane season according to Friend Ships’ report. They delivered truckloads of donated vinyl to Tampa and Cedar Key to repair homes.
- Gulf Coast, 2005: Following the destruction of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Seaman Corporation donated 13 truckloads of fabric valued at more than $250,000 to support recovery efforts. The shipment, distributed through Friend Ships, helped provide temporary shelter, weather protection, and other critical resources for communities across the Gulf Coast.
Richard Seaman, CEO – Seaman Corporation; 2005 News Article :
“‘This donation is made on the behalf of each and every Seaman [Corporation] associate, recognizing the responsibilities of industry-leadership in times of tremendous need.’”
The Times Reporter, 2005
In many cases, the material serves multiple purposes throughout the life of a relief project, helping organizations maximize resources while supporting people in need.
Making an Impact
For the past 30 years, Seaman Corporation associates have helped extend the company’s protective solutions far beyond our standard customers and job sites. Through our partnership with Friend Ships, donated materials have helped communities recover from disasters, supported humanitarian aid efforts, and provided critical protection when it was needed most.
As a team, we can help:
- Communities receive support during recovery efforts.
- Families gain temporary protection and peace of mind.
- Friend Ships have access to the resources they need to respond.
