The Baltic Caledonia St Andrew’s Day Lunch on November 28 once again proved a powerful force for good, raising an outstanding £20,000 in support of the St Nicholas School in Tema, Ghana, a Foundation supported by Tsakos Group and other Greek companies.
Held at London Scottish House, the 2025 edition brought together 185 guests from across the global shipping community for an afternoon rich in Scottish tradition, generosity and camaraderie. The event opened to the rousing sound of the LSH piper, setting the tone for a spirited celebration of heritage and philanthropy.
Guests enjoyed a traditional Scottish menu of fresh smoked salmon, haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by a fine selection of Scottish cheeses. The convivial atmosphere flowed naturally into a vibrant charity raffle and auction offering an impressive array of prizes — from artisanal wines and malt whiskies to holiday stays in Greece and Florida, Premier League hospitality tickets at Crystal Palace, and luxury sunglasses by designer Celia Kritharioti.
A Lifeline for Children in a Maritime Community
Chaired this year by James Palairet of Affinity, the charity lunch dedicated its proceeds to the St Nicholas School, located in Tema New Town, in Ghana. The school serves children from one of Ghana’s most disadvantaged maritime communities, many of whom would otherwise have no access to formal education.
St. Nicholas School provides pupils with tuition, uniforms and daily meals — simple but life-changing provisions that allow children to learn with dignity and hope. Funds raised from the London event will support the school’s running costs and help sustain its long-term vision of expanding into a full basic school with a future vocational college.
Members of the Baltic Exchange community who wish to sponsor a child or support the school further are encouraged to do so via the St Nicholas School website.
United Generosity
The success of the event was made possible through the generosity of guests and sponsors including Range Shipping, Poten & Partners, SSY, AM Nomikos (UK) Ltd, Ken Maclean, and Baltic Exchange CEO Mark Jackson. A warm tribute was also paid to Andrew Sterling, whose enthusiastic modelling of auction items added humour and momentum to the fundraising.
Founding Trustee Deborah Eleazar expressed profound appreciation to the Baltic Caledonia Society, sending festive greetings and adding warmly:
“In the spirit of your Scottish heritage — lang may yer lum reek. Long may warmth and prosperity fill your homes.”
A Celebration of Tradition and Impact
From the skirl of the bagpipes to the last toast of the afternoon, the Baltic Caledonia St Andrew’s Day Lunch reaffirmed its reputation as a meaningful celebration of Scottish culture, maritime fellowship and charitable impact.
For the children of St Nicholas School, the generosity shown in London will echo far beyond the event hall — opening doors, shaping futures, and proving once again that goodwill can travel across continents.
