PRESS RELEASE

THE ‘MARIANNA V. VARDINOYANNIS’ FOUNDATION AND THE ‘ELPIDA’ ASSOCIATION

SUPPORT THE MUNICIPALITY OF SALAMINA

 

Monday, 13 April 2020

 

The ‘ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer’ and the ‘Marianna V. Vardinoyannis’ Foundation are providing substantial support – through a number of actions – for our fellow human beings experiencing the greatest hardship from the coronavirus pandemic.

 

On the initiative of President Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, food and necessities were delivered to the Community Grocery Store of the Municipality of Salamina on Monday, 13 April 2020.

 

This was a deeply symbolic move, given that the President of the Honorary Committee of the ‘Thermopylae-Salamis’ Anniversary Year, Mrs. Vardinoyannis, decided that all of the funding budgeted for the ‘Marianna V. Vardinoyannis’ Foundation’s actions marking the ‘Thermopylae-Salamis 2020’ Anniversary Year would be provided to support vulnerable groups, with the priority of supporting those who are suffering and who are more exposed to danger.

Mrs. Vardinoyannis talked to the Mayor of Salamina, Giorgos Panagopoulos, via Skype, conveying her support and best wishes.

“I’m very pleased that we are communicating in this way and have this opportunity to work together once again.  A few weeks ago, when we were organizing the actions marking the 2,500th anniversary of the Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, we never imagined what was about to happen to humanity and our country. That our lives would change so radically. And in these difficult hours for our country, we are joining forces to help our vulnerable fellow human beings and everyone facing the greatest difficulties due to the pandemic crisis.  Standing vigilantly beside our fellow human beings is our priority right now. Our support for Salamina’s Community Grocery Store is a symbolic move full of love for this place, where the birth of Western Civilization was secured.  And I personally consider Salamina my home.  When better days come, we will modestly honour our great anniversary, our forebears, our history and Salamina.  Let self-sacrifice, heroism, the values of our forebears regarding the homeland, religion and family be an example for modern Greeks, and united we will keep our country on its feet in the midst of this crisis.  After my latest visit to Salamina – specifically, to the Naval Station – my thoughts are there on the island, with our glorious Navy and with the residents of the island, as my dream is for this anniversary to change their everyday lives. I want to be optimistic that better days will be here soon. And I will return to Salamina so we can honour our Anniversary Year.   I send my thoughts and love to all of you.   I’ll be with you for whatever you need.   May you have courage and strength in the face of your difficult task now and after the crisis.  May God light our way, may the Virgin Mother protect us, and may everything turn out well.  I wish you a Happy Easter!” Mrs. Vardinoyannis said.

The Mayor of Salamina thanked Mrs. Vardinoyannis for her substantial support, saying, “I want to thank you for everything you do.  The most important thing right now really is that we help our fellow human beings in need.  Since this crisis began, our needs have been enormous, so your contribution is very important.  It is wonderful that you are with us, especially in hard times.  On behalf of the island, my very great thanks!”