Greek community organisations, Greek leaders, the church and a range of Greek Australian individuals across the nation have collectively raised more than one million dollars to support those affected by the Victorian bushfires. SBS Radio’s Greek program listeners proved their generosity last weekend, raising more then $107,000 through a national fundraising Radiothon held by the SBS Greek programs. Other SBS Radio programs also participated in the Radiothon, with the current combined program total standing at a staggering $672,000.
“The Greek Community has been especially forthcoming and I want to extend my most sincere thanks to all who donated – many of whom had already given to other fundraisers,” says Paula Masselos, director of SBS Radio.
The Greek Archdiocese has collected funds in excess of $100,000 throughout its churches, and 3XY radiostation has raised over $300,000 through a radio marathon held last week. The Hellenic Relief Fund in conjunction with SAE Oceania&Far East held a meeting last week at the Cyprus Club of NSW which was attended by representatives from several Greek organisations and individuals in Sydney. A first call to the people present at the meeting contributed to a collection of $60,000. The meeting resolved that a radio marathon be held on the 28th of February and also a lunch on March 8 International Woman’s Day, and to mobilise the organisation’s members to hold similar events. The proceeds will be given on behalf of the Hellenic Community of NSW to the Whittlesea Mayor Mary Lalios, to finance a major refurbishing task that she is to nominate. Back in Melbourne, the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne Victoria are also planning a fundraising event which is thought to be a concert of some sort. Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College has raised $3534 so far and primary school students have donated products of all sorts including stationary, clothing and toiletry to a ‘goodie bag’ to be taken to the relief centres today. Both St Johns College and Alphington Grammar held a casual day with all donations going to the relief fund. Alphington Grammar also gave students the opportunity to contribute individual donations through envelopes whilst St Johns students also donated goodies that will be taken today to the Whittlesea relief centre. Alphington Grammar have raised just under $6,000 and St Johns College $916.15. Finally, Greek-Australian actress Gia Carides and her husband Anthony LaPaglia have personally pledged $50,000 to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.