Archbishop Makarios III Children’s Hospital in Nicosia, Cyprus

Delivering books at the Archbishop Makarios III Children’s Hospital

The first of 3 sets of books have been delivered in Cyprus...

Here is what Helen Colocassides had to say:

"It is four o’clock in the afternoon of Tuesday, 21 February 2012 on a clear but ‘nippy’ winter’s day in Cyprus.  Staff from Hermes Airports have delivered the books collected by their staff to the Children’s Hospital Archbishop Makarios III in Nicosia.  The books were delivered to the state run school and nursery which is housed in the main children’s hospital on the island to help the children who need to stay there for ongoing treatment, keep up with their school work as well as to provide leisure activities for them after morning school lessons are completed."

"We were told that the classroom set up for the ‘resident’ children of the hospital was recently refurbished by the Cyprus Electricity Authority and it was clear that the facilities provided at the school are sufficient and comfortable with bookcases filled with both general curricula school books as well as leisure reading books for the children.  The books provided by the staff of Hermes Airports were graciously welcomed by the young teacher Ms Eleni Demetriou and she thanked our staff for taking this initiative and added that that the books certainly will do a lot to enhance the school’s library which will give endless reading pleasure to the children.  In a matter of minutes, a young little boy and a little girl were the first ‘customers’ to borrow books for reading!  That was really a ‘magic’ moment because one could already see the sparkle in the children’s eyes, so we are certain that the efforts made will fulfill the purpose of this humble gesture."

"Ms Eleni Demetriou conveyed the regrets of Mrs. Ioulia the head teacher of the in-house school and nursery for her inability to join us but through Ms Eleni she extended her gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Hermes for the kind donation of children’s books."

"The event was made even more exciting for us as  we were joined by our CEO, Mr. Fred van der Meer and Sandy his wife.  Fred touched our hearts when he told us that he was not with us to represent the CEO of Hermes Airports but as a father and more so a grandfather to honour and celebrate the life of their beautiful little grandchild Isabelle.  The purpose of this book drive and offering is to allow us to pass on joy to other children and especially to children who are less fortunate.  Fred went on to thank all the staff at Hermes for their generous contribution and for making it happen!  Sandy also expressed her appreciation and happiness for the good results emanating from the contribution and efforts made by Hermes staff.  On behalf of the staff of Hermes Airports everyone was happy to be able to give something back through the Bubbles for Isabelle Book Drive which has touched everyone’s hearts in their quest to spread love and happiness around the world!!!  What an achievement!!!"

TV STATION ANT 1

21 February 2012

TRANSLATION OF TV COMMENTATOR ABOVE

Representation from Hermes Airports headed by the CEO of the company visited the Children’s Hospital Archbishop Makarios III in Nicosia where they presented children’s books for the sick children staying at the hospital.

This specific initiative was taken by the staff of Hermes Airports following the sad loss of Mr. van der Meer’s granddaughter Isabelle approximately one year ago.

The staff of Hermes Airports collected tens of books which were presented to the in-house and state-run nursery and school at the children’s hospital in the presence of an obviously emotional Mr. van der Meer, the grandfather of little Isabelle.  

“I am not here as the CEO of Hermes, I am here as a father, grandfather and we are very happy that the staff, through Helen, took the initiative to do something for children that have lesser possibilities.”

The teacher of the school, Ms Eleni Demetriou thanked Hermes Airports and said:

“We thank you for your contribution.  It is with great pleasure that we accept your gift and in turn we hope to be able to help bring much pleasure to the children."

In memory of little Isabelle, more books will be presented to other schools for children with special needs at both Larnaka and Pafos.

SIGMA TV CHANNEL

21 February 2012

TRANSLATION OF TV COMMENTATOR

The CEO, Mr. Alfred van der Meer and the staff of Hermes Airports collected children’s books that are being presented to sick children at the Children’s Hospital and to Schools for Children with Special Nees.

First stop today is the Children’s Hospital, Archbishop Makarios III in Nicosia which is being followed by a book handover to the Special Needs Children’s School Ayios Spyridonas in Larnaka and the next stop will be at another School for Children with Special Needs in Pafos.

This initiative is dedicated to the memory of two-year little Isabelle, the granddaughter of Mr. van der Meer who sadly lost her life due to a serious virus last May.