NEW YORK – As the Greek crisis threatens to turn darker, diaspora groups like the Philoptochos Society are closely monitoring developments. In 2012 the philanthropic organization created the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Fund. To date, $450,000 has been disbursed through this fund to help Greeks, in Cyprus and Greece, affected by ongoing hardship.
An additional $32,000 has been distributed in Greece through the National Philoptochos Emergency Fund and General Medical Fund, for a total of $482,000 from 2012 through 2014.
“After six years of recession, the crisis is expanding and deepening, affecting all sectors of society. Both countries require humanitarian aid and the need increases daily. There is 26% unemployment in Greece and the child poverty rate is 17.5%. While Cyprus has weathered its banking crisis, the domestic situation remains grim,” the Society noted in a recent press release.
The release continued “Volunteer organizations and churches are stretched beyond their capacity while trying to provide for those in need. Food kitchens in both countries feed thousands daily, and children and senior citizens are particularly at risk for malnutrition. There has been a dramatic rise in depression and suicide among citizens, as many feel their plight is hopeless.”
National Philoptochos President Maria Logus said, “Providing aid for this crisis is consistent with our continuing commitment to support relief efforts throughout the world. Greece and Cyprus, along with Nepal, are examples of our current areas of focus. Through our Aid to Greece and Cyprus Fund and other pertinent campaigns, National Philoptochos has distributed close to half a million dollars to a number of philanthropic organizations.”
Monies go towards providing for medical needs, assisting families that do not have basic necessities and for after school programs for children in impoverished neighborhoods, to name just a few examples.
Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor, said, “In the face of such great suffering of our brothers and sisters in Greece and Cyprus we cannot remain indifferent, Christ and the Church calls us to action to share what we have with those in need giving them hope and the assurance that they are not forgotten and that this crisis by the Grace of God should pass.”
For the efforts to date “National Philoptochos expresses gratitude to Philoptochos chapters and the many friends of Philoptochos nationwide who have contributed to the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Fund and other campaigns.”
Donations may be sent to National Philoptochos, 126 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016 or can be made online at www.philoptochos.org. For more information contact:
Rania Richardson, Communications Manager, Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society
Phone: (212) 977-7770 x203 Email: rrichardson@philoptochos.org
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