February 28, 2013 – Athens, Greece – AHEPA Canada presented the much needed rigid bronchoscope machine valued at €10,000 Euros (or approximately $12,000 Canadian) donation to Evangelismos Hospital AHEPA Wing, as the result of a call for aid from hospitals in Greece. Xenophon Skoufaras, Past President of AHEPA Canada representing the AHEPA Canadian President Mr. George N. Vassilas who was on hand to officially present the equipment. Dr. Georgios Tatsis, Pulmonary Director, and AHEPAN accepted the donation and stated that this item is a significant addition for the department and will benefit many patients. He acknowledged the efforts of Athens chapter HJ-1 Dr. Dimitris Chondros, Stelios Adamopoulos and President George Kostas for their efforts to secure donations for the hospital.
The hospital director Mr. Michail Theodorou was also on hand to greet the AHEPA delegation and he thanked AHEPA Canada for it’s initiative and encouraged all chapters to continue their efforts of support, and further stated that as Greek Canadians living in Canada, your spirit of Hellenism remains strong. He thanked the Canadian Chargé d’Affaires to Greece Mrs. Allison Stewart for being present and he went on to express gratitude to the Greek-Canadians for their support during this economic crisis and indicated the daily struggles to increase efficiency to patient care is paramount goal. Mrs. Stewart stated that Greek community in Canada has done so much to be proud of since they first arrived in Canada. She went on to state about the impressive work of AHEPA Canada during these difficult times.
AHEPA HELLAS District Governor Nick Papadopoulos also thanked the Canadian initiative to support the hospital and he stated that there is an additional shipment of supplies and equipment from AHEPA USA valued at $650,000 currently being transported which will be delivered to both the AHEPA Thessaloniki and to Evangelismos hospitals in March. Dr. Vagellis Balis, Pulmonologist, gave a brief demonstration to Nick Papadopouls and George Dussias, PDG on the benefits of having this vital instrument for his patients. A reception followed where AHEPA delegation members had the opportunity to meet with the hospital nurses, doctors and staff and discuss future needs and efforts to continue supporting the hospital.
