The ‘Marianna V. Vardinoyannis’ Foundation and the ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer remain on the front lines with assistance and solidarity, supporting vulnerable groups hit hard by the pandemic.
Immediately following the announcement of the outbreak and the decision to quarantine the residents of Ermioni, Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, showing her genuine interest and practical support, hastened to help her home town by sending large quantities of medical supplies, food and necessities to her fellow townspeople.
The delivery of food and necessities (flour, sugar, oil, legumes, etc.) for 1,000 families, along with medical supplies such as masks, gloves and antiseptic, took place on Friday, 24 April 2020, at Ermioni Town Hall.
With open concern and interest, Mrs Vardinoyannis spoke via Skype with the Mayor of Ermioni, Ioannis Georgopoulos, to learn about all the developments and to assure him that she will support the area’s residents in their every need.
Their conversation went as follows:
Marianna V. Vardinoyannis: “I hope all of our fellow townspeople are well. My heart beats for Ermioni. You know how much I love my home town, and I was shocked by recent events. I pray for you, for Ermioni, for Kranidi, for our whole area, which was hit so hard.”
Ioannis Georgopoulos: “The news is good. We don’t have cases in the community. All of the cases are in a limited area, so our townspeople are all well. Thank you very much for everything. Not just for everything you’ve done throughout the years, but now, too, as you once again showed your great love for Ermioni. In all of our telephone conversations, you expressed your anxiety and your interest, which you sealed with this wonderful donation of food and medical supplies.”
Marianna V. Vardinoyannis: “I hold you always in my heart and love you very much. The whole area, Ermioni is in my memories and the most precious thing in my life. My fellow townspeople, the residents of Ermioni, have a special place in my heart. I picture all of you and worry about each and every one of you. I ask the Virgin Mother to keep you well. I’m here for anything else you need. I’ll always be here. I want to give you strength and courage and tell you that you’re not alone. My husband Vardis and I are here for you. This, too, will pass.”
Ioannis Georgopoulos: “We know you are our support. You are our hope. All of us in the Town Council and all the residents of Ermioni thank you. We are grateful.”
Marianna V. Vardinoyannis: “I thank you, because all of Ermioni always supports the children of ELPIDA, who are currently being tested, as they are among the vulnerable groups. You have embraced our children with so much love, organizing so many actions in support of our Oncology Unit, and you support our effort to increase the number of bone marrow donors. Thank you very much for everything. You are always in my thoughts and in my heart, and I’m here for anything you need.”
The Deputy Mayor, Iosif E. Mertyris, also mentioned Marianna V. Vardinoyannis’s help and support for the Municipality of Ermioni: “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis is always with us. As soon as she learned what was happening, she immediately offered to donate pharmaceutical supplies and, as always, to help our fellow human beings who are in hardship because they have lost their jobs or are unemployed. She sent a large amount of food for vulnerable groups. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis always supports us. Her heart and soul are what this area represents – the internal beauty of the people here. She has our heartfelt thanks.”
The donation from the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation was made with funds that had been earmarked for the Foundation’s actions for the ‘Thermopylae – Salamis 2020’ Anniversary Year, which will be used in full to support vulnerable groups, as announced recently.
The events scheduled in celebration of the Anniversary Year will be held with new funding when circumstances allow, so that we can honour this great anniversary/milestone for Western Civilization.ELPIDA’s contribution is being funded by the Association’s Social Solidarity Fund for 2020, in support of vulnerable groups impacted by the pandemic crisis.