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The Motivational Power of Boroume # 19

Fri 04 March 2022

Eleni Kesisoglou has been a member of the Boroume family since 2014. Since then, she has supported us in every step of our organization and still helps us in any way she can. Either from the House of Boroume or by participating in several volunteering activities during the “Boroume Gleaning” program or in meetings with charitable institutions and over the last years from her home. For Eleni, the idea of ​​volunteering and offering has enormous value. "Anyone who participates in an action for the common good only gains as a person, as an individual. A better person means a better society."

A few words about you:My name is Eleni Kesisoglou. In 2014 I joined the group of volunteers of Boroume as I had just retired. Before that I was working in a bank for almost 30 years. I have a son. I am living in Holargos from the period I was going to elementary school till today. Then Holargos was a neighborhood with more detached houses and more green spaces.

Why did you decide to become a volunteer:When I retired I wanted to do something creative. Through a volunteer friend I learned about Boroume and I thought I could help and do something useful. Since then I am a part of this wonderful team and I help the organization when and as much as I can. The idea of ​​volunteering, of offering in general, was grafted in me by my family. During my years of study in Greece and abroad I was always being helpful where and when I could. In the past I have participated in various activities voluntarily. I volunteered for the 2004 Olympics and I also helped Actionaid's work as a sponsor for 20 years.

How easy / difficult it is to talk to someone about volunteering:Very easy. I believe that anyone who takes part in an action for the common good only gains. You become a better person and that means a better society. I wish all people would dedicate a few minutes / hours of their free time to participate in a volunteer program that expresses them the most. 

What reactions do you get:Everyone listens with great interest about my volunteering activities, but it is difficult for them to change their program. That is why I believe that volunteering should be part of our education system starting from schools. In countries that have included volunteering as part of their educational activity it is natural for them to continue their volunteering activities as adults.

How easy it is not to throw away food: Very easy. We must learn to buy what we need, in quantities that we will use during the week. Children learn from us. In recent years we have become very consumer oriented buying goods that we don’t need and then throwing them away. If we do not need them, then other people facing food insecurity may need them. In my family we do not throw away food.

How would you describe the Boroume team in three words: Hospitable, Creative and Efficient.

Share with us an incident from your participation in Boroume that impressed you: I always liked the activities outside the office, when we visited institutions and listened closely to their work and their needs. I was impressed by how many institutions are active in my country and how many needs. And that was the motivation for us. To be able to satisfy as many people in need as possible. Also I was always fond of participating in volunteering activities during the “Boroume Gleaning” program. There I realized how hard it is to produce something that is consumed in a few minutes and therefore should not be thrown away "easily". The team of Boroume is the source of inspiration, support, optimism for all of us for a better tomorrow and I am very happy to be a part of it.