The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s One Greece 2017 national philanthropic endeavour has raised more than AU$1.1 million in a spectacular show of support for Greece during successful events in five cities across Australia.

More than 1,300 people attended events held over 10 days as part of One Greece 2017, which for the first time brought together Greek and philhellene communities in five major cities to harness the strength and resources of the Hellenic diaspora in Australia for the benefit of Greece and its people.

The premier event of the series was the sold-out Sydney Gala Dinner on Friday, 6 October at the magnificent Sydney Town Hall, where more than 650 guests were treated to a special performance by Greece’s renowned songstress Alkistis Protopsalti in her only Australian show.

Special international guest speakers Princess Tatiana, The Hellenic Initiative’s inaugural International Ambassador, and Alexander Theodoridis, the inspirational co-Founder of the innovative food saving and donating non-profit organisation, Boroume (We Can) powerfully brought home the current issues facing Greece and plight of those affected by the current social and economic situation.

“One Greece 2017 has been a fantastic representation of how the Greek-Australian community across the country galvanises in support of the people of Greece,” said Mr Nicholas Pappas AM, President of The Hellenic Initiative Australia.

The One Greece 2017 series raised more than AU$1.1 million nationally, which will fund THI Australia programs over the next five years, focusing on crisis relief, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development initiatives.

“We are pleased to be in a position to announce immediately that The Hellenic Initiative Australia will commit $500,000 from One Greece 2017 proceeds to our Crisis Relief Program over the next three years that will assist people in need and empower organisations that are responding to the deep social impact of the situation in Greece,” Mr Pappas said.

The Hellenic Initiative Australia will continue to support its successful partnerships with Boroume and Desmos, and will be announcing new Crisis Relief grants to three outstanding non-profit organisations working on the ground in Greece.

“Through this major expansion of its Crisis Relief Grants Program, The Hellenic Initiative Australia will be providing care and medical support to children, aiding the homeless and vulnerable groups and providing food and assistance to charities supporting people throughout Greece,” Mr Pappas said.

The Hellenic Initiative Australia will also be boosting its pioneering Internship Program following strong support from businesses and corporate Australia, with several new fully-funded internship positions offered across Australia to promising Greek graduates. Fourteen interns from Greece have already participated in the program since it was launched in 2015.

The Hellenic Initiative Australia will also be supporting initiatives that have a positive impact on Greek society and increasing Australian involvement in programs that promote entrepreneurship and encourage investment and longer-term economic renewal for Greece, such as Venture Fair, Venture Garden and the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Awards.

One Greece 2017 was a unique opportunity to highlight the great work being done in Greece by organisations such as Boroume, with support of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, which are making a real difference.

One Greece 2017 events included a private dinner in Melbourne hosted by The Hellenic Initiative Australia Board Director, Mr Harry Stamoulis, on Tuesday, 3 October. In Western Australia, 200 people attended the Perth Gala Dinner on Sunday, 8 October at Government House. In South Australia, an intimate fundraiser was held at Penfold’s Magill Estate on Tuesday, 10 October, while the Treasurer, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP hosted a reception at the Convention Centre for more than 150 members of the Adelaide Greek and business community. The final event, held in Darwin on Thursday, 12 October, was hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, The Hon Nicole Manison MLA at Parliament House.

Princess Tatiana, a noted humanitarian and philanthropist, charmed audiences with her experiences and love for Greece, since moving there in 2013 with her husband, Prince Nikolaos, and the confidence she expressed for the country’s future, in particular, its youth.

“It is an unbelievable honour to become part of this global, noble community that is committed to helping shape Greece’s long-term recovery,” said Princess Tatiana. “I see so much passion, innovation, creativity, people joining forces through wonderful initiatives to help make a difference during these challenging times. This is the positive side of Greece that increasingly shines through and which we all need to support … this is why I am excited to be part of the THI family.”

Mr Pappas thanked supporters across Australia who had attended events, donated to THI programs and showed their support and love for Greece.

“With Canada and the UK following the US and Australia, THI is expanding across the globe to become a truly international panhellenic and philhellenic movement aimed at improving the lot of Greek people and we trust these events will leave people emboldened about Greece’s future through the role that the diaspora can play,” Mr Pappas said.

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