The Hope Centre – Hotel Elpis. – Solidarity for refugees

Anyone can help this project either practically if you can spare some time to visit Lesvos or by buying from The Hotel Elpis Amazon wishlist (below)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/16M4UIKPSEIFM/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v

The renovation of the Hotel Elpis on Lesvos is a fantastic project. Managed by Jenni James, Phillipa and Eric Kempston, all have whom have spent much of their time helping refugees on the island… Jenni was described to me as a force of nature when I arrived on Lesvos – intrigued to meet her, I wasn’t disappointed to meet an incredibly driven, capable lady from NZ – I was glad we were on the same side as she was indeed a force of nature.

Eric and Phillipa have given an incredible amount of their time and emotional energy to helping the refugees on Lesvos – as well as using their home to sort and store vast amounts of donations.

It is a great place to work – especially if you DIY literate and handy with a spanner/hammer/saw.. you get the picture (which I am not particularly but still managed to help). In the 8 days I was on Lesvos, the improvement to the Hotel was phenomenal, but after being empty for 7 years you can imagine there is quite a full schedule of repairs to be done.

The main room has a huge fire place, which will be great when refugees arrive wet, there is also a medical center and changing rooms along with rooms for refugees to stay overnight if required. A great step up from a tent (or sleeping outside), I am sure you agree.