Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) has announced the allocation of two new grants amounting to AU$110,00 that will be distributed to Greece charities.
Specifically, these grants have been awarded to THI trusted partner charities in Greece – Boroume - Saving Food Saving Lives and Emfasis Foundation for a 12-month period. There will be forthcoming announcements regarding pending grants to other Greek charities.
The recent natural disasters throughout Greece are compounding the everyday challenges that many vulnerable individuals and families are struggling with. Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) partner charities are dedicated to addressing the various difficulties these people face such as food insecurity, the lack of basic necessities, homelessness, unemployment and social exclusion.
‘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’, said THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill.
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. 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.
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 THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill.
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.
The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) thanks the Australian public and GCT readers for their ongoing support and for them raise awareness about the specific initiatives undertaken by THI Australia and their worthy partner charities.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Farmer's Market Program while in Greece, please reach out to: info@thehellenicinitiative.com.au
