The Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australian Inc (GOCNA), alongside the Kalymnian Brotherhood, Cyprus Community of NT, and the Hellenic Macedonian Association, have all joined together to raise funds for the island of Kalymnos.
The fundraising – that began on Wednesday and will finish tomorrow – has so far raised more than $70,000 and aims to reach $100,000 for Meals on Wheels in Kalymnos.
President of GOCNA John Nicolakis, told Neos Kosmos the decision to raise the funds came about after speaking with the Archdiocese on the island two weeks ago, who said they are currently serving 170 meals a day and expects this number to rise with the current crisis in Greece.
Mr Nicolakis said that he went to the Greek community and a unanimous decision was made to begin fundraising and has been surprised at the response by the people of not only Darwin, but Australia wide. “I can tell you the Greek people in Darwin have responded extremely well for the fundraising appeal for the island of Kalymnos.
“We’ve had pensioners giving us $50 after hearing about the fundraising in church, we’ve had people call from Melbourne and Sydney wanting to make donations,” said Mr Nicolakis. “Each association contacted all the big business people in Darwin … and asked if they want to make a donation to the Kalymnos appeal.”
One of those businessmen, Mr John Halikos of the Halikos Group, has said that he will double whatever is raised by the community. The money raised by the community will be sent directly to the Archdiocese of Kalymnos for their Meals on Wheels.
“They are thankful for us starting this as they do have individual people sending funds to carry for Meals on Wheels, but this is the first time they have the communities and associations get together to do a fundraising. The told me this money will go a long way.”
If you would like to donate to the Kalymnos appeal, contact John Nicolakis on 0419 813 866 or the Greek welfare officer on (08) 8981 7203 or visit .gocna.com.au/cms/. All donations are tax deductible.
