The opening of the renovated 3rd floor at the ELPIDA Guest House took place on Monday 10 February 2020 within a very joyous and emotional atmosphere. This was an initiative launched and carried out by the ELPIDA YOUTH Committee.
It is an innovative project, based on international standards, which promises warmth and loving care to children with cancer and their families.
During a simple ceremony in the events hall of the ELPIDA Guest House, the President of the Association, Mrs Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, gave a warm welcome to the attendees, noting, “Today marks a very special day for ELPIDA and for me personally. This year, ELPIDA is celebrating its 30 years of operation. One of our most significant projects in these 30 years has been the ELPIDA Guest House, which was founded in 1999 with the aim of offering a home to children with cancer and their families. More than 2,000 families have been hosted at the Guest House to date. Our efforts were assisted by the ELPIDA YOUTH Committee, the new generation of ELPIDA, who are willing to offer even more. And this fills my heart with joy and pride.”
During her speech, Mrs Vardinoyannis especially thanked the major donors who helped with the renovation, and specifically: the Trafigura Foundation and its representative Mr Vincent Faber, and Trafigura Maritime Ventures Pte Ltd and its representative Ms Penny Borovilou. She also warmly thanked the members of ELPIDA Youth, Ms Laoura Lalaouni-Dragni and Ms Anastasia Kollaki, shipping companies Chartworld Shipping Corporation and Oceangold Tankers, and Ms Ioanna Prokopiou of Dynagas Ltd for their valuable contribution in the renovation of the 3rd floor of the ELPIDA Guest House.
During his speech, the representative of the Trafigura Foundation, Mr Vincent Faber, noted, “As the Director of a Foundation, I am very well aware, as you are too, what it means for someone to be in need and I know just how hard your work is. Initiatives such as yours are the key to the healthcare system. It is my pleasure to be assisting in such a cause, but also a reward both for us and for the work we do, and for this I thank you.” On her part, Ms Penny Borovilou of Trafigura Maritime Ventures Pte Ltd voiced her joy for having been given the opportunity to offer her assistance by supporting such a significant cause.
In recognition of their valuable support, Mrs Vardinoyannis awarded them an ELPIDA Honorary Plaque.
The 3rd floor of the ELPIDA Guest House was renovated through the funds raised during a charity event in April 2019 at The Blender Gallery in Glyfada. The event was organised by shipping companies Trafigura Maritime Ventures Pte Ltd, Chartworld Shipping Corporation, Dynagas Ltd and Oceangold Tankers. Major shipping companies supported the event with their donations, while the Trafigura Foundation doubled the amount raised during the event.
The ELPIDA Guest House was established in 1999. It is located close to the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis – ELPIDA Children’s Oncology Unit and hosts children with cancer and their families for as long as their treatment lasts. A school also operates within the Guest House, while the trained staff offer children and their families a host of activities as well as emotional support. More than 2,000 families have been hosted at the ELPIDA Guest House to date.