Since the inception of the Australian branch of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) three years ago, the organisation has set its sights on easing the impact of the financial crisis on Greek locals.
In addition to their collaborative efforts with their THI partners in the US and the UK and most recently Canada, THI Australia has provided nearly $120,000 in grants to their charity partners to provide food and medical assistance to the most vulnerable members of the community. They have also managed to harness the resources of the Greek diaspora to contribute to the country’s economic development with an internship programme in Australia for Greek graduates and an avenue for entrepreneurs to pitch their start-up ideas to investors.
President Nicholas Pappas, AM told Neos Kosmos that following their success, they now have their sights set on building their reach and impact with the launch of a new initiative One Greece 2017.
As part of the push to get more Greek Australians and philhellenes on board, five events will be hosted across Australia in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Darwin with a premiere gala event at the Sydney Town Hall on Friday 6 October, where it has been revealed guests will be treated to a performance by renowned performer Alkistis Protopsalti.
At all the events attendees will have the opportunity to find out more about the work being carried out by THI Australia and find out how their contribution on the night will make a direct impact on the lives of struggling Greeks.
Joining members of the THI board as speakers will be international guests THI International Ambassador and noted humanitarian and philanthropist, Tatiana Blatnik, and Alexander Theodoridis, co-founder of Boroume, a food-saving charity providing sustenance for thousands.
“We’ve been running our branch for a couple of years now and we are looking to raise further money to grow our programme and take it to the next level,” Mr Pappas said.
“We wanted to bring out speakers who are able to convey to the audience what’s really happening in Greece and the great work being done on the ground by various people. So guests can expect to be taken on a journey through what is going on in Greece and see how their contribution will help.”
More than 1,500 business and community leaders are expected to attend the events nationally with money raised being put towards boosting THI Australia’s programs to further assist charities Boroume and Desmos, which is a portal that connects people in need with resources, and will also help to build on the opportunities on offer to Greek graduates and entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Mr Pappas said that the THI Australia team is currently undergoing their evaluation round for charities and crisis relief programmes, with additional partners expected to be named at the gala event in Sydney.
“We branded it as One Greece as a call for everyone who feels passionately about the cause to come and support us,” said Mr Pappas.
“This is the first time a series of national events has been held in Australia in support of Greece. It is a splendid opportunity for the Greek Australian diaspora to demonstrate their abiding concern for the people of Greece, and I encourage as many as possible to attend events in their respective cities.”
Please note the One Greece event is Melbourne is a private event, and Darwin is sold out. Tickets are still available for Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide.
To register your interest in being a part of One Greece 2017, click here and for further updates visit the THI Facebook page.