Anyone who has been to Greece would have come across a large number of stray companion animals – dogs and cats – that should be loved and cared for. Instead they roam the streets with no home. For any traveller, visitor or resident, it can be heartbreaking to see these beautiful animals neglected and some of them abused. Australia has a similar problem, though the numbers are not as high. The BBC tells us there are one million stray companion animals in Greece alone. Whether this is the true figure or not, the situation must be remedied.

One group taking up the initiative to help and provide a voice to stray, abandoned or neglected cats and dogs is the Penny Marathon. Created by Eleftheria Prodromou, the organisation not only helps these animals, it gives support to the people and groups that fight to save their lives.

While countries such as Greece have a visible stray problem, there are many other countries that pride themselves on their clean streets – a status quo that is maintained by euthanising hundreds of thousands of healthy cats, dogs and other animals that simply cannot find a home. Sixty thousand healthy animals are euthanised every year in Australia because they cannot find a place to live.

Eleftheria told me about the origins of her charity. It was with a heavy heart that she recounted the time she lived in Athens, working as a journalist. Every day she would catch the bus and as she waited, Penny the dog would be there at the bus stop too. Then one day, Penny was not there. Upon enquiry, a security guard pointed to a deceased dog by the side of the road.

“I should have given Penny a home, and I didn’t and in her honour, learning from the tragedy, I have named the charity after her.”

To bring attention to the situation and to help raise money, a marathon takes place around the world on a given day in July. Participants run, cycle, swim, paddle and roll (and not only!) 42 kilometres to raise awareness of the plight of these animals. On 10 July the marathon will take place in Athens, Salamina, Chania and Kalamata and Sydney. Eleftheria actually ran the original marathon route to raise awareness! For those of us not up to the challenge of a marathon, there is scope to do only a partial part of the course – which is a relief to this journalist!

Eleftheria told Neos Kosmos that “your donations help us save some of these lives. In Greece, for example, this help encompasses all stages of the rescue and rehome process. In Australia, we support established charities that save animals from euthanisation by finding them temporary accommodation until they are rehoused”.

The Penny Marathon has evolved from the marathon to take on a range of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, a pop-up shop was held on 29 May and recently a colouring-in competition to engage children. The competition encouraged the importance of kindness and compassion to animals as well as how much love and happiness these animals provide people.

Neos Kosmos, one of the sponsors of the Penny Marathon, recently met some of the dogs that have benefited from the charity. The cute Ajax was keen to meet and certainly lick my clothes at the interview, showing how happy and energetic he is. A different picture to when he was originally found wandering a major road in Sydney. He was riddled with fleas and bleeding (someone had crudely cut holes into his ears). Ajax escaped from an abusive owner and had acute separation anxiety, taking some time to live peacefully.

Eleftheria told me that he has a terrific sense of humour and dances by throwing himself onto the floor and kicking his legs up in the air. Ajax has a flatmate, Artemis, who is from Greece and responds to Greek!

Another heart-warming story comes to mind with Alfredo in Athens, who was found dragging his hind legs along the street. He had been like this for days before he was rescued by Φιλοζωικό Σωματείο Γαλατσίου (Animal Lovers Association of Galatsi), an organisation the Penny Marathon links in with.

Alfredo was probably hit by a car. His spine is broken and he is permanently paralysed from his waist. His condition means that he is susceptible to injuries and setbacks. It will take a special family to make sure he lives a safe and comfortable life. Until then, he remains in foster care with his rescuers. In return for this help, his gratitude is returned with a smile that lights up the room.

Eleftheria was quick to mention that the volunteers make the difference to organisations helping with animals; it’s the big heart of every individual making a difference. Then of course organisations such as AVIS, Lea’s World Travel and KAE International Euromovers also make a difference as valuable financial contributors.

The Penny Marathon is not just a worthy cause, it is a great way to keep fit and to help support these beautiful, wonderful animals.

To register or to find out more information on how to get involved head to www.pennymarathon.com

* Billy Cotsis is the author of The Many Faces of Hellenic Culture.