Volunteering in Greece

THI Australia’s Volunteering Program is back again!

Holiday with Purpose

Are you travelling to Greece and interested in supporting people in need?

The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s Volunteering Program offers volunteers of all ages the opportunity to support our partner charity Boroume to deliver its innovative food saving programs.

In just 12 months between June 2022 and July 2023, a record breaking 199.2 tonnes of fresh produce, approximately 750,000 portions of food, was collected and saved by Boroume volunteers at 23 farmer’s markets in Athens and 13 markets in Thessaloniki. 

From joining teams collecting unsold fruit and vegetables at vibrant neighbourhood farmers’ markets to harvesting donated crops, Boroume volunteers play a vital role in saving food for donation to local charities.

Volunteering is a great way to assist relief efforts, gain a unique insight into Greek life and meet locals and fellow international volunteers.

Volunteers can dedicate a few hours or a few weeks. 

Boroume at the Farmers’ Market

Since 2015, more than 856 tonnes of fresh produce have been saved across 36 farmers’ markets and distributed to 56 local charities in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Volunteers can join Boroume teams at the participating markets listed below. (Allow 2 hours, starting around 2.30pm)

ATHENS

Monday: Holargos, Gerakas

Tuesday: Halandri, Metaxourghio, Moschato, Pangrati, Pigada (Piraeus)

Wednesday: Agios Pavlos, Dafni, Gkyzi, Lykovrisi, Metaxourghio

Thursday: Ano Ilissia, Ellinoroson, Korydallos, Nea Ionia, Neo Psychiko, Patissia

Friday: Kallithea, Petralona

Saturday: Panormou

THESSALONIKI

Monday: Ano Toumba

Tuesday: Ntepo

Wednesday: Stavroupoli, Toumba

Thursday: Ag. Dimitriou

Friday: Stavroupoli

Saturday: Xirokrini

Boroume harvesting & field work

Spend a day on the land helping volunteers with the cultivation of municipal fields outside of Athens, harvesting donated produce and helping with agricultural work. (Seasonal, one full day required).

Boroume HQ  

If you have more time in Athens and a good command of Greek, Boroume can train volunteers to assist at with their office operations including coordinating daily donations and supporting larger projects and events. (minimum 2 weeks required).

Boroume provides briefings and support for volunteers. All travel and accommodation in Greece will be the responsibility of the individual.

For further information contact us at [email protected].

Rebecca Mangos from Sydney volunteered with Boroume for a third time in 2019.