The Thessalian organisations of NSW have banded together to host a fundraising event as they look to support those from their ancestral home that were severely impacted by the devastation of Storm Daniel.
The Federation of Thessalian Associations (Meteora, Hassion and Ellasona) and the Pan-Thessalian Federation “Karaiskakis” will host a Fundraiser Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 3 7 p.m., at the Greek Community Club at 206 Lakemba St, Lakemba.
The event is acting as the various organisations’ own way of trying to provide some aid to those from their ancestral homes in Thessaly that suffered from the damaging Storm Daniel last September.
George Mpliokas, Vice President of Meteora Thessalias Benevolent Society, stated that the organisations felt this was the right course of action to take after the catastrophic effects of the storm.
“We knew that the right thing for us to do was to contribute in a meaningful way and we took it upon ourselves as the representatives of the associations to arrange a fundraiser to gather some funds as part of the relief effort,” Mr Mpliokas told Neos Kosmos.
“We had seen compatriots in Melbourne raise significant funds to support the effort and we thought that we, the associations in Sydney and NSW, could do the same.”
Mr Mpliokas, who is also Vice President of the World Confederation of Thessalians, reinforced that it felt important to contribute in some way and support the people from the region they have strong historic and continuing connections to.
“When you hear that the damage and destruction was of biblical proportions, it’s very difficult to accept especially when you hear that people from our region don’t have running water from the tap because of the destruction even several months later after the storm,” he said.
“We thought the least we could do is to help support those communities that are suffering and to give them a means of building their homes and their livelihoods.”
The event will house 300-350 guests and will include an auction of donated items from members of the associations as well as a raffle.
“Some associations are looking to commit funds as gestures of support and goodwill and we will tally the proceeds from everything and contribute those funds once the event has run its course,” Mr Mpliokas said.
The event is sold out but anyone who wishes to donate any funds can do so to the Appeal bank account they set up specifically for this cause.
The details are: BSB – 062198, Account No: 11014859.
“For those that cannot but would still like to contribute, then they will be able to donate directly into that BSB and account number. If they issue a remittance, then we can also issue a receipt to match and any one of the participating associations can do that,” Mr Mpliokas said.
The Vice President from the “Meteora” association added that initiatives such as this are methods that “small, humble σύλλογοι from our towns and cities of origin” can still provide support in helpful ways.
“We have a dynamic role to play in today’s community, and tomorrow’s as well, but we are staying humble, we are supporting each other and working together for a good cause.”
