South Australia’s Greek Fires Appeal Committee has managed to raise over $220,000 to help the victims of the devastating fires that broke out in eastern Attica earlier this year in July.

The official figure was announced in a statement released by Committee Chair and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA), Bill Gonis OAM JP.

The State-wide appeal raised $122,931.23, of which $62,550 was contributed by the Australian Hellenic Medical Charity Inc. together with the Cyprus Community of SA, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and other allied organisations. The total sum was further increased to $222,931.23 thanks to a significant donation of $100,000 from the SA government.

“On behalf of the Greek Fire Appeal Committee I once again wish to express my sincere thank you to everyone who made the appeal a success, all the volunteers, the musicians and performers for contributing and donating their precious time and being part of this journey … that brought us all together for a common cause,” Mr Gonis said.

Last month, the Committee held a meeting where it was decided that $82,308 of the money raised would be allocated to as payment for the specialised medical equipment donated to the Burns Unit at the Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsine Athens, which was immediately used to treat the burns victims.

With regards to the remainder of the funds, according to Mr Gonis the Committee is currently reviewing a number of other projects, which will be carefully assessed before any funds are allocated.

“Once a project or projects have been identified worthy of our support, the Fires Appeal Committee will make an announcement describing the project as well as the proposed support and the end objective of such support,” he said.

The Greek Fires Appeal Committee was created at a meeting hosted by GOCSA on 30 July in an effort to provide and coordinate assistance to the victims of the fires.

According to Mr Gonis, there was an unprecedented expression of support, with over 30 leaders from various Hellenic and other ethnic associations turning out,  as well as members of Parliament.

“Tonight we gather to show our solidarity to those who have been tragically affected by the recent fires in Greece,” said SA Premier, Steven Marshall who was touched by the devastation in the Mati region.

“This coming together of communities in tragedy is what makes South Australians unique and a great place to live when you observe people from many cultural communities coming together for one purpose and that is to support those in need,” Mr Gonis said.

The Committee Chair went on to acknowledge the generosity of all South Australians, various Hellenic, Cypriot and community groups, as well as Mr Marshall and leader of the opposition, Peter Malinauskas MP.