The Hellenic Initiative Australia boost support for vulnerable Greek communities

·

The Hellenic Initiative Australia has announced two new grants totalling $110,000, which have been awarded to Greek charities Boroume Saving Food Saving Lives and Emfasis Foundation. 

These grants have been made possible through the generous support of Greek-Australian and Philhellene communities. 

The grants to Boroume (AU$66,000) and Emfasis Foundation (AU$44,000) will address food insecurity, provide basic necessities and assistance with securing temporary and permanent accommodation and employment for many vulnerable and isolated people in Greece. 

Boroume will continue to coordinate the collection of food by local and international volunteers at markets in Athens and Thessaloniki for donation to local charities and other beneficiaries through its Farmer’s Market Program. 

Read more: The Hellenic Initiative Australia announces four new grants for the vulnerable in Greece

Volunteering with Boroume.

In 12 months, August 2022 to July 2023, 199.2 tonnes of fresh produce were collected by Boroume and distributed to 39 charities in Athens and Thessaloniki. 

THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill said in a statement, “This program is achieving more than just the saving and repurposing of fresh produce.

“We are contributing to more than 1 million kg of CO2 equivalent not being released into the atmosphere. That’s the equivalent of more than 18,000 trips from Athens to Thessaloniki by a conventional car or the positive impact of almost 6,000 adult trees.”

Since 2015, THI Australia’s support of the Farmer’s Market Program has resulted in the collection of 970 tonnes of fresh produce. Additionally, over 100 Australians have generously volunteered for this program while in Greece. 

Volunteering for Boroume offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to relief efforts, gain a unique perspective on Greek life, and connect with both local Greeks and fellow volunteers. 

Volunteering with Boroume September 2023.

Emfasis Foundation will continue to support vulnerable individuals who are either homeless, at risk of homelessness, or facing severe survival challenges and social exclusion through their Mobile Support Unit (MSU). Most importantly, this grant will help to broaden its reach beyond the Attica region to include Patras, Thessaloniki, Volos, Crete and Rhodes. 

‘We congratulate Emfasis for expanding its services beyond the Attica region and its willingness to share its expertise with local not for profit organisations in other parts of Greece’, said Mr Zamagias-Hill. 

The MSU provides assistance to individuals in need by addressing their immediate material needs, eviction relief and help with utility bills. In addition, they offer counseling, training, and upskilling initiatives to empower and mobilise beneficiaries, guiding them through the necessary steps to improve their life conditions. 

Emfasis Foundation was awarded a grant to support vulnerable and isolated people in Greece.

During the previous grant period of 2022-2023, THI Australia’s support of the MSU made a significant impact with a total of 2,708 vulnerable individuals benefitting from these services. This included 50 homeless individuals who were helped into temporary accommodation and 49 people who received assistance in securing temporary and permanent employment. 

Despite improvements in Greece and reports of the successful tourism season, many more families are living on or near the poverty line in Greece and still need our support. 

To make a donation to one of the partner charities, visit The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s secure online platform Shout For Good. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.

To volunteer with Boroume for the Farmer’s Market Program while in Greece, contact: info@thehellenicinitiative.com.au 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sussan Ley elected first female leader of Australia’s Liberal Party

Sussan Ley has made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Liberal Party in its 80-year history. Read more here.

Spectacular drone display dazzles Sydney for Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament

Sydney’s night sky dazzled with a display of Greek, Australian and Serbian flags on Monday night for the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

Greek and Italian leaders pledge deeper ties on defence, energy and migration

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Rome for the Greece–Italy High Cooperation Council.

Greek Festival of Sydney closes with stirring tribute to golden age of Greek cinema

The Greek Festival of Sydney concluded in grand style on Sunday with 'Τα Κινηματογραφικά: Songstresses of the Golden Age of Greek Cinema.'

Costeen Hatzi sends positive message to Nick Kyrgios amid split

Influencer Costeen Hatzi has shared a farewell message to her ex-partner, tennis star Nick Kyrgios, following their March split.

You May Also Like

Greek monastery manuscripts looted in WWI rediscovered in US office renovation

Three Greek-language manuscripts, believed to have been stolen from Kosinitza monastery during WWI, were recently rediscovered in Manhattan.

Melbourne massage therapist jailed for rape and sexual assault

Melbourne massage therapist Michael Sergides has been sentenced to five years and nine months in jail after being found guilty of rape and sexual...

Family call for change after James Tsindos’ death from allergic reaction

James Tsindos, 17, tragically died in June of 2021, days after ordering a meal from a local vegan restaurant through a food delivery app.