This weekend marked the successful dispatch of relief goods from the Papaflessas, Kalamata 23 March and Pantrifilia organisations, acting on the appeal to assist community members experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic.

“Congratulations to them as they are not only providing food relief, [but] they are also offering some financial support as well, just like all the other associations who have helped thus far,” says the president of Merimna of Pontian Ladies Litsa Athanasiadis.

Since the beginning of April, when Merimna kickstarted the campaign “Everyday Essentials for Families in Need” at the onset of the pandemic, the support has been overwhelming.

Non-perishable foods and household items have been collected thus far by a number of community organisations, including Melbourne’s and Victoria’s Central Pontian Organisation: Pontiaki Estia, the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, the Pancretan Association, the Cretan Brotherhood, the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria ‘Leonidas’, the Pontian Community of Melboune and Victoria and the Pontian Association of Melbourne, Euxenos Pontos.

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Support of financial nature has also been provided.

“As a result of the current health pandemic, many newly migrated Greek families on temporary visas are experiencing financial hardship. Many of these families are not eligible for government assistance and are struggling to access everyday essentials,” reads the Papaflessas Social Club Facebook post in the beginning of the month calling for donations.

The Messinian organisations coordinated the deliveries for June, acknowledging the “honourable work” of the women’s committee of Pontiaki Estia, Merimna and the assistance of all the associations that came on board.

In a recent statement of gratitude, Merimna said the efforts on behalf of the organisations were “an exemplary sign of community spirit measured by the compassionate actions of its members and volunteers,” noting that the campaign is ongoing.