2019-2021
The numbers are stark — one in four children in Greece face extreme poverty, making the country the worst in the European Union, according to official statistics by Eurostat.
Medical care, education, social integration and other things we take for granted in our home countries are lacking for millions of children in Greece — a direct result of years of crippling austerity and unemployment, not to mention the worst refugee crisis in the country since World War II.
The Greek America Foundation will partner with six Greece-based charities whose work directly impacts all facets of children in Greek society — from birth, all the way through their developing years.
The #ChildrenOfGreece campaign will aim to build a sense of awareness among North Americans about the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of Greek society — the children.
Throughout Greece’s contemporary history, children have always been the victims most impacted by war, poverty and social unrest and throughout these extreme moments, the Greek diaspora, particularly in North America, has always responded in a resounding way.
The following charities in Greece will receive funds from Project Hope for Greece during our 2019-2021 campaign. In all cases, we shall receive financial documentation from each charity and monitor their fine work to ensure that all funds donated on behalf of our generous donors help the people they seek to serve.
ELIZA
Eliza Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is the only Greek charitable organization (NGO), with the exclusive purpose of providing protection and care to children who have suffered or run the risk of suffering abuse or neglect. In pursuit of its mission, ELIZA is guided by the following principles: a) respect of children’s rights as citizens of the world regardless of culture, nationality or religion, b) multidisciplinary scientific approach and use of evidence-based practice c) transparency and integrity. Visit website here.
The Home Project
This Athens-based non-profit organization addresses the needs of refugee and child migrants who arrive in Greece alone. The Home Project moves children from the streets, camps, police stations and detention centers and brings them into shelters where they receive support, protection and social integration services. The organization currently operates 11 shelters where more than 220 children receive a holistic network of services covering food, shelter, material, medical, psychosocial, and legal, support. The Home Project provides security, dignity and decent living conditions for the most vulnerable — unaccompanied refugee minors — with its ultimate goal being to Help, Overcome, Motivate, Empower them. Visit website here.
HOPEgenesis
Founded in 2015, HOPEgenesis’ provides comprehensive medical care and treatment for pregnant women who live in remote areas or isolated islands until the day they give birth. With a staff that includes various medical professionals such as gynecologists, nurses, midwives and administrators, the organization’s mission is to contribute to the revival, development and the gradual increase of Greece’s population. More than 50 large Greek corporations have partnered with HOPEgenesis and support its daily operations. The organization is currently active on 28 islands where communities have recorded zero or very few births since 2015. Visit website here.
Ark of the World
Founded in 1998 by Greek Orthodox priest Father Antonios, Ark of the World provides shelter for abandoned children in Athens. Ark currently cares for 200 children — infants to 18 years old — and although the vast majority are Greek, the organization welcomes children from all backgrounds. Ark strives to relieve these children of poverty, hunger, illnesses, misery, exploitation and illiteracy. In addition to the children’s well-being, the organization also focuses on keeping families together and, when possible, not institutionalizing children and instead keeping them with their mothers. Ark provides monthly financial support — rent, water, electricity bills, etc. — for no income mothers. Moreover, Ark helps these mothers to find employment so that they may become self-dependent. Visit website here.
METAdrasi
SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children’s Villages in Greece focuses on helping families to cultivate a nurturing home environment for their children. The organization not only helps families care for their children but also provides alternative care once the children can no longer live with their own families. SOS’s specific programs include the Family Strengthening Program, which works directly with families, many of which are single parents looking after children alone. The organization provides family services such as parental counseling as well as material, social and emotional support. If, despite SOS’s assistance, children can no longer live with their families, the organization offers them a new home in one of its villages. Visit website here.
Give Hope to the Children of Greece
The power of Project Hope for Greece comes from the generosity of our supporters. Join us in providing hope for the #ChildrenOfGreece.
Ambassadors of Hope
Donate a minimum of $1000
Click below to make your donation and join our growing list of 2019-21 Ambassadors of Hope.
Raise a minimum of $1000
How you do it is up to you. You can host an event at home, go all out with a full-fledge dinner dance and epic party or even donate your birthday. For business owners, you can organize fundraisers around product launches or promotions.
More news about Project Hope for Greece
$10,000 for SOS Children’s Villages in Greece
The Greek America Foundation proudly presented $10,000 to SOS Children’s Villages in Greece via the Reaching for the Stars Foundation in Toronto at their 6th annual gala. SOS Children’s Village is one of our designated charities that are included in our #ChildrenOfGreece campaign. Our donation was made to Reaching for the Stars Foundation, which specifically […]
Cyprus Native and Seasonal Decor Importer Supporting #ChildrenOfGreece
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Spread Greek Holiday Cheer in Astoria for #ChildrenOfGreece
On Sunday, December 22 at between 1pm and 6pm, traditional kalanda singers will be roaming the streets of Astoria, spreading Greek holiday cheer and collecting donations for the Greek America Foundation’s #ChildrenOfGreece fundraising campaign. Singers and musicians are donating their time and talents to this cause, which not only will spread Greek traditional holiday cheer […]
Screening of “Border Souls” in New York on December 10
The Greek America Foundation is proud to bring the documentary film “Border Souls” to Astoria, New York on Tuesday, December 10. Two screenings at 6:00pm and 7:30pm will take place at the Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Center (27-09 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11102). Founder and President Gregory C. Pappas will make brief remarks about the film […]
Greek Designers to Support #ChildrenOfGreece Campaign
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Partner Charity Update: Kivotos Tou Kosmou – Providing Shelter for Abandoned, At Risk Children in Greece
Kivotos Tou Kosmou (Ark of the World) is a Greek non-profit and one of the six charities we are supporting financially through our current Project Hope for Greece campaign — #ChildrenOfGreece. Our campaign aims to build a sense of awareness among North Americans about the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of Greek society […]
Partner Charity Update: HOPEgenesis Celebrates 100 Births
HOPEgenesis is a Greek non-profit and one of the six charities we are supporting financially through our current Project Hope for Greece campaign — #ChildrenOfGreece. Our campaign aims to build a sense of awareness among North Americans about the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of Greek society – the children. As Greece continues to […]
Ohio Teen Donates Graduation Money to #ChildrenOfGreece Campaign
Marina Tsirambidis graduated from high school this year and in typical American fashion — her parents Julie and Tim hosted a graduation party for family and friends to celebrate the teen’s milestone. By all accounts, it was an epic, big, fat Greek American graduation party with hundreds of guests eating and dancing the night away. […]
$5000 Donation to Greek Charity “Ark of the World” Which Cares for Unprotected Children
As our #ChildrenOfGreece campaign gains traction throughout North America and more and more people support our campaign, a $5000 donation was made to the Greek charity “Kivotos Tou Kosmou,” (Also known as Ark of the World, in English). The money has come from generous donors throughout the United States and Canada who have embraced our […]
Partner Charity Update: METAdrasi – Leaders in Helping Unaccompanied Minors
METAdrasi is a Greek non-profit and one of the six charities we are supporting financially through our current Project Hope for Greece campaign — #ChildrenOfGreece. Our campaign aims to build a sense of awareness among North Americans about the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of Greek society – the children. The following story provides […]