Refugee Work in Thessaloniki Greece
Donation protected
In May of 2016, I decided to leave my nursing job in Minnesota to devote my professional practice in community health care and emergency medicine to work with those affected by the global refugee crisis. I asked family members, friends and even a few complete strangers to help me get started on that journey through a gofundme campaign that enabled me to afford the language training I would need to work effectively in the field. You were one of the people who made a generous contribution, and I have not forgotten that. Thank you!
Your support gave me confidence as I completed a language immersion program at Middlebury College in Autumn of 2016. It also set me on the path to finding a meaningful role for myself in the global volunteer effort to relieve the suffering of migrants and refugees.
Eighteen months later, in December 2017, I am writing you this update from Camp Sinatex, a refugee encampment in Thessaloniki, where I am based as a full-time volunteer with Kitrinos Health Care organization, which provided primary health care to Syrian refugees in camps across Northern Greece. We also provide critical health services to refugees who arrive in makeshift boats at Levos island, as they await transfer to mainland camps.
Camp Sinatex
My work with Kitrinos started in September 2017. I initially signed up for a two month tour of duty, but given the need, I've decided to stay through March 2018. While the position is unpaid, I've never felt my that my work has more value than it does now!
On a typical day I spend 6 hours at Sinatex camp where I tend to any health problems the residents have, ranging from coughs and colds to heart attacks. Another important part of my work is providing social support, being a friendly familiar face and when needed, writing referrals to other agencies to help solve social issues they are facing.
The exam room
In order to support the work I am doing with Kitrinos I have reactivated my gofundme page, your support will help me meet my ongoing financial obligations and basic daily essentials while I extend my stay and continue the works that means so much to me.
Thank you again for believing in me, and for seeing the value in the work we do with Syrian refugees who deserve peace, freedom and a chance at happiness as much as any of the rest of us do.
Happy Holidays!
with love from Thessaloniki,
Tina Fournier
If you would like to continue receiving updates about the work I am doing, please let me know and I will add you to the list I'm keeping of supporters and friends who will receive the occasional email or photograph from my journey.
Your support gave me confidence as I completed a language immersion program at Middlebury College in Autumn of 2016. It also set me on the path to finding a meaningful role for myself in the global volunteer effort to relieve the suffering of migrants and refugees.
Eighteen months later, in December 2017, I am writing you this update from Camp Sinatex, a refugee encampment in Thessaloniki, where I am based as a full-time volunteer with Kitrinos Health Care organization, which provided primary health care to Syrian refugees in camps across Northern Greece. We also provide critical health services to refugees who arrive in makeshift boats at Levos island, as they await transfer to mainland camps.
Camp Sinatex
My work with Kitrinos started in September 2017. I initially signed up for a two month tour of duty, but given the need, I've decided to stay through March 2018. While the position is unpaid, I've never felt my that my work has more value than it does now!
On a typical day I spend 6 hours at Sinatex camp where I tend to any health problems the residents have, ranging from coughs and colds to heart attacks. Another important part of my work is providing social support, being a friendly familiar face and when needed, writing referrals to other agencies to help solve social issues they are facing.
The exam room
In order to support the work I am doing with Kitrinos I have reactivated my gofundme page, your support will help me meet my ongoing financial obligations and basic daily essentials while I extend my stay and continue the works that means so much to me.
Thank you again for believing in me, and for seeing the value in the work we do with Syrian refugees who deserve peace, freedom and a chance at happiness as much as any of the rest of us do.
Happy Holidays!
with love from Thessaloniki,
Tina Fournier
If you would like to continue receiving updates about the work I am doing, please let me know and I will add you to the list I'm keeping of supporters and friends who will receive the occasional email or photograph from my journey.
Organizer
Tina Fournier
Organizer
Lakeville, MN