The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia’s One Greece 2017 national philanthropic endeavour has raised more than $1.1 million in a spectacular show of support for Greece during successful events in five cities across Australia.
More than 1,300 people attended events held over 10 days as part of One Greece 2017, which for the first time brought together Greek and philhellene communities in five major cities to harness the strength and resources of the Hellenic diaspora in Australia for the benefit of Greece and its people.
The premier event of the series was the sold-out Sydney Gala Dinner on Friday, 6 October at Sydney Town Hall, where more than 650 guests were treated to a special performance by Greece’s renowned songstress Alkistis Protopsalti.
Special international guest speakers Princess Tatiana, THI’s inaugural International Ambassador, and Alexander Theodoridis, the inspirational co-Founder of the innovative food saving and donating non-profit organisation, Boroume (We Can) powerfully brought home the current issues facing Greece and plight of those affected by the current social and economic situation.
“One Greece 2017 has been a fantastic representation of how the Greek-Australian community across the country galvanises in support of the people of Greece,” said Mr Nicholas Pappas AM, President of THI Australia.
The series raised more than $1.1 million nationally, which will fund THI programs over the next five years, focusing on crisis relief, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development initiatives.
“We are pleased to be in a position to announce immediately that THI Australia will commit $500,000 from One Greece 2017 proceeds to our Crisis Relief Program over the next three years that will assist people in need and empower organisations that are responding to the deep social impact of the situation in Greece,” Mr Pappas said.
They will also continue to support its successful partnerships with Boroume and Desmos, and will be announcing new Crisis Relief grants to three outstanding non-profit organisations working on the ground in Greece.
THI will also be boosting its Internship Program following strong support from businesses and corporate Australia, with several new fully-funded internship positions offered across Australia to promising Greek graduates. Fourteen interns from Greece have already participated in the program since it was launched in 2015.
One Greece 2017 events included a private dinner in Melbourne hosted by THI Australia Board Director, Mr Harry Stamoulis, in Western Australia, 200 people attended the Perth Gala Dinner at Government House. In South Australia, an intimate fundraiser was held at Penfold’s Magill Estate, while the Treasurer, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP hosted a reception at the Convention Centre for more than 150 members of the Adelaide Greek and business community. The final event, held in Darwin was hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, The Hon Nicole Manison MLA at Parliament House.
