Australian Volunteering Initiative Launched

Greek Australians are being encouraged to volunteer in Greece during their next holiday under an initiative launched by The Hellenic Initiative Australia in Sydney this week.

Volunteers can spend a few hours or a few weeks helping THI Australia’s charity partner Boroume deliver its innovative food saving programs.

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

“Through our partnership with Boroume, we have created a unique opportunity for Greek Australians to volunteer some time during their next holiday in Greece,” says THI President Nick Pappas. “Their efforts will help Boroume to deliver food to charities struggling to meet the increased demand for assistance from people reeling from the impact of prolonged economic hardship.”

Boroume, (“We Can”) organises the distribution of surplus food to charities throughout Greece – offering more than 19,000 portions of food through their network on average every day. Since 2012, Boroume has saved more than 12.5 million portions of food, valued at €18.7 million, donating it to more than 1000 organisations throughout Greece.

Boroume Co-founder Alex Theodoridis welcomed the initiative and said volunteers were integral to the organisation.

“Volunteers from abroad, and especially from so far away as Australia, have a special place in our team and heart,” Mr Theodoridis said. “Having people from abroad dedicate even a few hours to help our cause is one the most humbling experiences for us here at Boroume because they embody the true meaning of commitment, solidarity, and giving.”

Find out more about our Volunteering Program here.