Whilst many of us enjoy the Easter celebration with copious amounts of Greek feasting foods, many disadvantaged Greek Australian families will go without at such a joyous celebration. The Greek Welfare Centre of Melbourne is thus currently calling upon the philotimo of the Greek community and Greek Australian businesses for the centre’s 2015 Easter food and toy appeal, which can change this reality for disadvantaged Greek Australian families.

The annual appeal is run at Easter and Christmas, and is a service which provides much needed food and toys to around 300-350 families who struggle at these times. Families included in the appeal’s assistance comprise newly arrived migrants, expatriates, the elderly, single parent families and Greek families here on student visas who Edmond Kaferoglou, from the Greek Community Welfare Centre, says “are the most disadvantaged”.

The appeal is one which sees Greeks from many different levels unite to help those in need. This year’s appeal will be made possible through the collective efforts of the Greek Orthodox Parishes, St John’s Greek Orthodox College, Oakleigh Grammar, the Greek Welfare Community and of course, you. Kaderglou further asserts that the Greek community “is very generous in its donations”; it is now time to see this altruistic Greek nature come further to life.

Any non-perishable food items as well as toys, preferably new, are welcome to the appeal. For health and practical reasons, the collection is restricted to non-perishable items. These items may include: oil, pasta, rice, coffee, tea, sugar, biscuits, canned food (including vegetables, meats, hams etc.), sauces, flour, spices, snacks etc. Before purchasing or dropping off such items at the collection points, please check the use-by dates and that there are no ruptures to the packaging.

Toys can also be donated. It is requested that toys are new, or at least as close to new as possible in their original packaging to ensure a pleasurable experience for the recipient children.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the Greek Orthodox churches in Victoria, as well as at the Greek Welfare Centre at the Holy Monastery of ‘Axion Estin’ at 7 Hartington Street, Northcote. The last day for donations is Sunday April 5.

It is at times of economic hardship that the Greek Australian community must be called upon to help those in need. Greek Easter is definitely one of these times. So now, we must adhere to the generous nature of the Greek culture, to unite, to pitch in and to work together to help bring happiness to those who need it.

For more information, contact Edmond Kaderoglou at the Greek Welfare Centre on (03) 9486 6588.