Meet the Team
Laura
member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I joined the board in November 2022 after having volunteered to support the Hamburg team for a few months in 2020. We as a board are currently busy revising structures for the important work at our locations in Europe, boosting fundraising, enabling good cooperation between our office in Hamburg and the crews on the ground, and keeping track of ongoing processes.
What is your Medical Volunteers International story?
Since I started supporting refugees in Germany and Uganda at the beginning of 2016, it has been a great concern of mine to be a voice for these people who are often invisible in society. The stories I heard from them impressed and shocked me in equal measure. In particular, the inadequate medical care has long been a thorn in my side.
Even if it only seems like a drop in the ocean at first, I try to make my contribution to a fairer society for this group of people by working with MVI.
Benjamin
Chairman
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am the chairman and am mainly responsible for the fundraising activities for the organisation. Together with Till and Kai, I manage the work of Medical Volunteers International from Hamburg and represent the interests of the organisation.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
I met Kai Wittstock in Hamburg. I was very touched by the project and I was actively searching for friends to support it. That’s how Medical Volunteers International was founded. Our goal is to create a network of people who are committed to the cause.
Nicole
Medical Coordination
member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Since the beginning of 2021, I have been responsible for medical management at MVI. My job is to draw up and develop guidelines, plan our medication requirements and ensure that they are handled professionally, as well as being the contact person for the teams and coordinators for medical issues.
Because I can’t do all this on my own, a team is currently developing to support me
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
In 2018, I started to get involved with people fleeing their homes, initially in the context of civil sea rescue. Since then, I have experienced many situations that I could not have imagined before. People on the move have the same rights to the respect of their dignity (food, shelter, medical care, respectful treatment, …) as myself and my family, even if the reality is in fact very different….
Even if I have little Impact on this, it is my commitment to make a small contribution to change this situation.
„All that evil needs to triumph is the silence of the majority.“
Kofi Annan
Sarah
Project Management
member of the board
Cologne
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am currently the project coordinator for the projects in Germany and a Networker as well as part of the board
What is your Medical Volunteers International story?
I worked for MVI for the first time in 2017 in Patras/Greece for several weeks, then I documented human rights violations at Europe’s borders with various NGOs and supported refugees in the asylum and residence procedure in Germany. I have never lost touch with MVI and have been working as a project coordinator for MVI since the beginning of 2022 and now since November I’m also part of the board.
Madlen
Quality Management
member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support the team in Hamburg in terms of fundraising and manage the feedback process with volunteers. In addition I´m now establishing a quality management system within the organization.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
It´s the fact that so many volunteers from all over the world make their way to Greece (sometimes from very distant places) in order to help people in need – this keeps my faith in humankind alive.
Our Coordinators
Our small team ensures that MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL can continue to deliver life saving measures to disadvantaged people. The board is based in Hamburg, and works closely with our local coordinators on-site.
Here you can find out more about our active and former coordinators
Our Team
Our small team ensures that MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL can continue to deliver life saving measures to disadvantaged people. The team in Hamburg is supporting the board, and works closely with our local coordinators on-site.
Madlen
Quality Management
Hamburg and member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support the team in Hamburg in terms of fundraising and manage the feedback process with volunteers. In addition I´m now establishing a quality management system within the organization.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
By the end of 2018 I wanted to support an NGO by using my medical skills. MVI was mentioned to me by a friend of mine and shortly after I submitted my application I met with Kai. Three weeks after talking to Kai I found myself in Lesvos and I was coordinating the team there for two months.
In March 2019 I started my work on fundraising and feedback. Since March 2020 I´m also working on quality management issues.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
It´s the fact that so many volunteers from all over the world make their way to Greece (sometimes from very distant places) in order to help people in need – this keeps my faith in humankind alive.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I like watching tennis and athletics, I support a local NGO providing services to homeless people, I organize queer karaoke events and believe it or not: sometimes I even manage myself to do some sports.
Sarah
Project Management
Networking/ Cooperation’s
Crewing Coordination
member of the board
Cologne
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am project coordinator of the project “strong together – networks for integration”
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I was volunteering 2018 with MVI in Patras, Greece and spent Christmas and New Year there.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
To celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve together with volunteers and refugees on the ground because every human being is equal and fleeing is not a crime.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I support organizations for refugees, do sports and hang out a lot.
Michael
Fundraising
Berlin
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am part of the fundraising team within MVI and to coordinate the cooperation with foundations and companies. I am doing the research for matching organizations and write applications and forms to reach out for cooperations.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
Benjamin Holm introduced me to MVI an I was thrilled from minute one, because immediately felt the engagement and passion of the volunteers. The commitment of the volunteers is impressive and I am happy to contribute my part
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I was impressed by the stories of the beginning of the volunteer work in Greece, which Kai Wittstock, one of the founders of MVI told me. These stories showed me what is possible, when people simply take action.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I like to travel, mostly in central and eastern Europe, jogging, reading good books and spend time with my kids.
Jannes
Press & Public relations
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Being MVI´s spokesperson I´m responsible for sending out press material to different types of media, I´m answering incoming requests and managing the relationships with all our nice an interesting media partners.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
You invited me to an italian restaurant, I told you about all my brilliant skills, we paid and I became MVI´s spokesperson. So far so good. But to be honest: it´s a great honor and a daily pleasure for me to support MVI.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I think each single one would need to mentioned here. But I strongly hope that one day our work will no longer be required.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
There are two other non-profit organisations that I take care of: one of them supporting Hamburg based projects and the other one advocating for the protection of species worldwide. On business I´m managing the communication of sustainable brands. I also play basketball during daytimes and turn into a DJ in my favorite metalbar during the night.
Felicia
Crewing
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Together with Ines and Kai, I process the volunteers’ applications and take care of them until they arrive at their project.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I was a bit restless after finishing my studies and wanted to do something useful. While looking for jobs, I came across Medical Volunteers International. I was immediately enthusiastic about the work of the organisation and wanted to support it. Now I am doing my federal voluntary service at MVI.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
Last year I could visit the three projects in Greece together with Kai. It was very impressive to see the work on the ground and also to see that the work does have an impact.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I like cycling and I read a lot.
Mara
Psychological Support
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I offer psychological support for all volunteers during their mission, because even helpers need help once in a while. Sometimes the stories of the refugees and the situation in the camps can be overwhelming. Then it is helpful to have someone to talk about it and to find a way to deal with the experience together.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I already knew Benjamin and Kai through my work at „Hamburger mit Herz“. That’s how I found out about the project and wanted to contribute here as well.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I am very impressed by those many volunteers who selflessly donate their time and knowledge to people in need. Even if they sometimes reach their limits, they seem to feel the need to keep going. That’s just great!
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I really love cooking (and eating) and always try new dishes from other countries. I´m also incredibly keen on diving and try to do it as often as possible.
Viviane
Public Relations
Donations Requests
Press work
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I work in the project “Strong together – Networks for Integration”
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
Since 2019, I have been supporting refugees in Greece and on the Balkan route. In the process
I have repeatedly come into contact with MVI and learned to appreciate its valuable work. When I heard
that MVI was looking for supportin the project “strong together – Networks for Integration”, I immediately applied.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
To experience how important and helpful it is for refugees to have a reliable and competent counsellor at their side. Someone who listens, treats them free of charge and is at eye level.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
In my free time, I’m out and about with my kids, I do sports and I’m active in another club for refugees.
I am active in another association for refugees.
Regional representatives
In different cities in Germany we have regional representatives, who help to acquire donations of money and goods. They are also a contact person for voluteers and everyone who is interested. For more informations click here.
Donors and partners
It would not be possible for our volunteers in Greece and Bosnia to do what they do without the wonderful support and help of great partner organisations and generous donors. Whether it is collecting and transporting donations in kind for our work on the ground, providing space for our clinics, actual cooperation on individual projects or financial support in the form of a grant – we would like to say THANK YOU for the great and long-term support we receive time and time again.
Make a difference with your donation!
Donate now!
Why donate? We rely on donations to buy medical equipment, disposables and medication. We keep our overhead costs to the absolute minimum. With your support we are able to provide primary health care to displaced people where no one else does. Approximately 50% of our patients are unregistered refugees and are not eligible for local health services. This is why our work is so important!
Donations Account
Medical Volunteers International e.V.
IBAN DE08430609672076077900
BIC GENODEM1GLS
GLS BANK
Donations via Paypal
please use the Tool of the GLS bank and leave your emailadress there!
We are happy about every donation that helps us fulfil our lawful purpose, namely helping people in need! If you make a donation intended for a specific project or for one of our locations, we will make every effort to use it for that purpose.
If this is not possible, your donation will be used for other projects or locations that are also in need of funding.
The easiest way to help us is with a so-called “general” donation, i.e. a donation that does not have a specific purpose. To do this, you can simply state the keyword “worldwide aid” when making your donation.