Mari Cordes recently returned from a week on the Greek island of Lesvos working with the refugees from the war in Syria and other places disrupted by war. The Jeudevine Memorial Library will be hosting her to talk about her experiences on Sunday, February 14 at 2 PM at the Memorial Building in Hardwick.

Mari, a Lincoln resident and a registered nurse who works at the UVM Medical Center, went to Greece to provide humanitarian and medical aid. She went to Lesvos as part of a seven-member team of volunteers put together by Burlington resident Megan Frenzen, a health economist calling themselves “Team Vermont.” The group included two physicians, three nurses, and a young Syrian immigrant named Ruba Orfali who acted as translator for the group during their time in Lesvos.

"It’s very important for us all to realize that this is the largest mass exodus and forced displacement since WWII. This is a moment in history where we will later question ourselves - did I take a stand? Did I/we (U.S.) help?” Mari Cordes asks. Cordes has experience volunteering in Haiti so she has experience in crisis zones. She and Megan Frenzen wanted to work independently. They raised money for their trip through GoFundMe. Cordes herself raised over $4,000. They formed a regular MASH unit.

Come learn more about what is happening in Greece from a person with first-hand experience. There will be refreshments and discussion following the presentation. For more information call the Jeudevine Library at 472-5948.

Oct 18, 2024, 4 to 5 PM

Oct 20, 2024, 10 AM to 12 PM

Oct 25, 2024, 3:30 to 4:30 PM