At this difficult time for the mother country, the Greek Australian community in Victoria is again showing its practical support.

“What started off as one person’s idea grew bigger, with the project’s Facebook page accounting for 1000 followers just 48 hours after going online”

Hellenic Heart is a new initiative to help families in need by collecting donations of clothing and transporting them to Greece.

Rea Liapis, the owner of a childrens’ boutique in Melbourne, came up with the idea as she was trying to figure out ways to contribute other than fundraising.

“The Greek way of life is always about doing what we can for our families and I realised that am really lucky that I can give my kids everything they need.

But how hard some families must be finding it in Greece at the moment, with the thought that they may not be able to keep their children warm this coming winter”, Ms Liapis told Neos Kosmos.

What started off as one person’s idea grew bigger, with the project’s Facebook page attracting1000 followers just 48 hours after it went online.

The community has embraced the initiative with local businesses offering to help as drop-off points, or with logistics so that donations can be shipped directly to Greece.

“Everyone seems to be working together and it has been received really well. I think we can all make a difference through unity.

I’m a really emotional person and I have shed many happy tears over the wonderful outpouring of support from the Greek community”, says Ms Liapis.

Hellenic Heart is in the process of registering as a non-profit organisation and is working closely with two NGOs based in Greece – The Smile of the Child and the Salvation Army to ensure that clothing donations will be distributed to families who need it most.

“We aim to gather as much as we can in the way of clothing, linen and necessities for the families living under the poverty line”, Ms Liapis explains.

More than 15 locations in Melbourne are able to receive donations and the team is also in discussions withpotential donor locations interstate.

There is no restriction on the type of clothes that can be donated but Hellenic Heart says donations should be in good condition: freshly washed, have no stains or rips, and packaged in plastic bags.

For more information and to find your nearest drop-off point, visit www.facebook.com/hellenicheartaus