With Greece in the grip of second wave of COVID-19, The Hellenic Initiative Australia has launched an online Winter Appeal to support people facing severe hardship over the coming months.

Funds raised by the Winter Appeal for Greece will assist THI Australia’s trusted partner charities in Greece, which face additional challenges supporting the vulnerable and the destitute during the pandemic.

“As we look forward to summer after an extremely challenging year, the onset of the second wave of COVID-19 in Greece is bringing new challenges for those at risk this winter,” said THI Australia President, Nicholas Pappas AM.

“With the country currently in lockdown, things will get bleaker for the homeless, rough sleepers, destitute families and elderly people who are isolated and alone.”

The Winter Appeal for Greece will help organisations such as Emfasis Foundation provide basic necessities and support services to people at risk this winter, including sleeping bags, hygiene products, face masks, sanitiser, SIM cards, meal, food vouchers and access to psychological support.

COVID-19 has hit just as Greece was emerging from a decade of economic hardship, and the disruption to international tourism in 2020 has already had a severe impact on the local economy.

“This has been a crippling summer for many people, particularly those reliant on the tourist season, and many families will struggle to cover essentials such as food and electricity bills during winter,” Mr Pappas said.

“We are more determined than ever to continue providing financial assistance to our respected partner charities in Greece to ensure they can keep supporting those most in need.

“As Christmas approaches, we are calling on Greek Australians and philhellenes to join our Winter Appeal for Greece and help support Greece during these uncertain times.”