It was a dream turned reality when the idea of a support group of Greek Australians was realised in the shape of K300 three years ago. Its aim – to unite and connect Hellenic businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals in Australia and across the world, as well as to support the Greek language and education.
However, it wasn’t until May last year that the group hosted its first annual fundraising event. On the night, with 300 people in attendance, $190,000 was raised, and further $250,000 for the Lucas Garden School for disabled children in Sydney – altogether $440,000.
Last Friday, in Sydney, K300 members and friends gathered for their 2014 annual event, that raised close to $200,000.
For the majority of Greek Australians, K300 comes as a new player in the Greek Australian community. Its Vice President, Paris Georgiades, explains that K300 differs from other organisations in terms of its structure. The group is also not keen on too much publicity and praising themselves for their work.
They choose actions instead of words.
Founded on the initiative of its President Andrew Kostopoulos, K300 is different. It’s not an association, nor a Pty Limited company. K300 has been registered as a co-operative, whereby each member gets a share certificate.
“K300 was originally created three years ago but it wasn’t until last year in May that we became more active, when we finally got our co-operative approved by Department of Fair Trade. It’s an apolitical body, with a platform of both male and female coming together and connecting, trying to assist the Hellenic community in Australia where they can. The purpose – to unite, connect and support Hellenes in Australia. That’s our main goal,” Mr Georgiades tells Neos Kosmos.
Three months ago, K300 set up the Kafeneio – for young professionals, businessman and students under the age of 33, who, once they leave university, often need assistance, mentoring and introductions to find a job.
“They can approach K300 where we have cells – there is a head of each cell with its team. If anyone is in need of any assistance, or needs help in finding a job, they approach K300 and we are all happy to have the older mentors assist them wherever we can.”
Last Friday, K300 held a fundraising event to establish a Trust Fund to support Hellenic language, culture and history. The idea came after it was brought to the attention of the K300 board of directors that the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Sydney is under threat of losing its departmental status and possibly being downgraded to a program.
“As opposed to handing over the money to one specific course, we decided to set up a Hellenic Trust Fund, in Australia for Australia, at all levels,” Mr Georgiades explains.
As part of K300, a board of trustees will be appointed to take applications that relate to areas of history, language and culture. Upon review, the funds will be given to approved applicants.
“If there is a Greek school for kids needing $10,000 to buy books, they can make an application – if it gets approved, they get a cheque. It’s case by case, rather than money going everywhere.”
With the K300 flourishing in Australia, its model has already attracted some interest of other Greek diasporas.
“We are proud to announce that the K300 model has been established in London and also in Athens. They love what we are doing here, they recognise us as being the first Hellenic community that’s come forward from Diaspora and said how can we help, without actually asking for money in return. K300 is all about being united, connecting people with each other, like Hellenic LinkedIn of professionals.
“In few words, our mission is to abide by an ethos that fosters long term beneficial relationships that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of Hellenes.”
For more information about K300 and its upcoming events, visit www.k300.com.au