Many of the smaller Greek community organisations of Melbourne have come together to support for flood victims in Greece by raising $46,170.
President Thanasis Sakellaris of the Elassona Association “O Nikotsaras” offered heartfelt apologies to fellow compatriots who encountered difficulties while attempting to reach them.
“The surge in incoming calls overwhelmed their phone lines, leaving many potential donors frustrated and unable to contribute as intended, shedding light on the critical need for better preparedness, including the initial omission of additional phone lines due to cost concerns,” he said.
Meanwhile, discussions leading up to the fundraising campaign revealed concerns about the financial hardships faced by individuals, which understandably led to hesitancy in donating.
Mr Sakkellaris further clarified that “At the time, there was apprehension that the Greek expatriate community might be weary of frequent fundraising appeals, compounded by concerns about the costs associated with expanding phone line capacity. Initial estimations were modest, with expectations hovering around $20,000 in total contributions. Even the most optimistic projections did not surpass $35,000.”
However, the Greek community in Melbourne proved all expectations wrong with their overwhelming generosity.
Despite the early challenges, people rallied in support, fully comprehending the extent of devastation caused by the catastrophic floods and expressing their solidarity with compatriots who had lost everything.
“We are happy to announce that by the conclusion of the 3XY broadcast, we have successfully amassed an impressive $46,170,” Treasurer Karaventzas said.
“Melbourne’s Greeks were the first from the diaspora not only initiated this vital fundraising effort but also distinguished themselves by swiftly delivering the collected funds without any delay.”
For those who were unable to connect during the initial broadcast and still wish to contribute, donations can be made directly to the Commonwealth Bank using the following details:
BSB: 06 3121
Account number: 10182223
CENTRAL UNION OF ELASSONA
For the floods in Greece
Donations (Previous contributions have already been published in a previous article):
Ourania Zoggou – $50
Georgios Ioannidis – $200
Konstantinos Episkopos – $50
Ioannis Kazantzis – $100
Giannis Efstathiou, President of Larisa “O Peneios” Association – $2000
Anastasia Stampothlaki – $100
Efi and Lazaros Nalbantidis – $100
Pantelis Natis – $100
Anonymous – $70
Alekos – $150
Kiki Sapouna – $50
Chrysanthi Papadonta, in memory of her husband Apostolis – $100
Eleni and Fotis Karaventzas – $50
Fotini Boukouvala, in memory of her husband Vasilis – $100
Olga Karatzi – $50
Eleni Georgiou – $50
Dimitris Patrakis – $200
Katerina Panayiotou – $100
Abrahopoulos Family – $100
Antonis Kapetanakis, President of the Cretan Association East Brunswick – $200
Vasiliki Blachaki – $50
Serafeim Keltezidis – $100
Georgios Gatsios, in memory of his siblings – $50
Anna Kotsiou, in memory of her husband Achilleas – $50
Christos Sklavas – $50
Ilianna Nteli – $200
Chrysoula Tourtsaka – $50
Konstantinos Moutsos, in memory of parents and siblings – $50
Mina Papadopoulou – $100
Maria Tsaftari – $50
Aristidis Laspas – $100
Anna Bachsevani – $50
Giannis Athinis – $50
Eleftheria Mygdali – $200
Lykia Kika Mill Park – $500
Sotiris Sotiriou – $200
Ourania Anonymous – $100
Olga Kouya – $200
Anonymous – $50
Christina Pimpilidis – $50
Vasiliki Anonymous – $50
Kostas Tsouvelakis – $100
Tasos Douvartzidis, Homeric College – $100
Philanthropic Association of Kozani “Lafazis” – $100
Anonymous – $100
Dimitrios and Niki Kotzagianni, in memory of their parents – $300
Panagiota Stavridi – $50
Hellenides Women’s School “Iliades” – $500
Members of the Board of the “Iliades” Association, additional – $350
Cypriot Communities – $1000
Cypriot Community of Eastern Suburbs – $500
Theodora Piera – $50
Adriana Karamitrou – $100
Konstantinos Lolis – $200
Theodoros Goulas – $100
Popi Dimitriou – $20
Olga Teletidou – $100
Maria Salto – $100
Tasos Georgiou – $100
Aggeliki Tsilingiri – $100
Anonymous Giannis – $50
Katina Papas – $50
Andreas Nikou – $50
Vasiliki Kaimakamis – $50
Georgios Zyggouras – $100
Ioannis Petridis – $100
Giorgos Maramis – $20
