Faithful to their debt to humanity, the members of the Pontic NNO Brotherhood “Pontoxenitea” urge everyone to contribute to the disaster of the Balmoral area (population of about 420 people, about 120 kilometres southwest of Sydney), which was partly burnt on Saturday 22 December. The expatriates are invited to donate money cards (Woolworths, Coles and Fuel gift cards), which will help locals get back on their feet.
On Saturday January 11, Pontoxenitea executives will visit Balmoral to distribute donation cards and prepare lunch for firefighters and village residents.
These donations help not only the families who lost so much but also the economy of the region to stand on its own. People can bring the cards with any amount to Pontoxenita’s home (15 Riverview Street Undercliffe) or call Maria on 0411 318 851.
Fire-fighting fundraisers began before Christmas with $600 donated to the Rural Fire Service and offering over 100 Christmas presents to the families of the Fire Department firefighters in northwestern Sydney.
Among the volunteer cooks on Christmas morning in Hawkesbury was NSW Premier Ms. Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service Mr. Shane Fitzsimmons, and “Pontoxenitea” President Mrs. Maria Antony.
The volunteers also prepared parcels with boxes of food, drinking water, cookies, and eye and throat medicine. Soldiers took the parcels and distributed them to the firefighters who were on the fronts of the fires. Every day – in two shifts – volunteers provide this critical service. Anyone who can provide 1-2 hours of volunteer service can contact the Rural Fire Service.
A century ago, Australian farmers sent flour, clothing and money to the survivors of the genocide of the Greeks of Pontus, Asia Minor and Thrace. In World War II, they sent their children to fight alongside the Greeks against the Nazis. Feeling the burden of this historic undertaking, Pontoxenitea today invites members of the fraternity, friends and all the Diaspora to support the charity of the Balmoral area.
