The Hellenic Relief Foundation annual Easter distribution of food items and the Easter lamb took place on Holy Wednesday at the outlet of Hellenic Volunteer Relief in Petralona. Mr. Kostas Zachariadis came from New York for this reason.
In total 1044 packages were distributed to families in Attica, Thessaloniki, Chania, Florina, Veria, Epirus, Corfu, Gytheio, and Spetses.
The packages included fresh lamb, (depending on the size of the family: one-quarter, half, or whole lamb,) potatoes, cheese, butter, Sweet Easter bread, eggs, juices, etc.
Delivered items were supplemented with products donated by Arla Foods Hellas ARVE, Kamilaris AEVE, Karamolegos Artoviomichania AE, Constantacopoulos Group – CNI Energy, Attica Publications Group, Epirotiki Koulouropoiia, Coca-Cola 3E, Max Perry.
Kostas Zachariadis congratulated the volunteers who, lead by Maria Siourdi, organized the delivery in an impeccable way.
The funds necessary for this Easter distribution were raised during a dinner dance organized in co-operation with the community of Saint Demetrius in Astoria, commemorating five years of service by the Hellenic Relief Foundation.
On Saturday of Lazarus, Hellenic Relief organized its yearly Easter party for the Children of the families that are supported by the foundation. The premises were decorated, and actor Zano Danias entertained 120 children. They had the opportunity to play, sing and dance in a Paschal atmosphere. The children were also given clothing, shoes, chocolate eggs, treats, festive candles, and lunch.
This event was dedicated to Polyxeni Mastroperrou, ex-Director of the Press Office of the Greek Mission to U.N. who recently passed away. Donations in her memory were used to cover expenses for this occasion. Her husband Evangelos Tzantzalos and her son Pericles were present at the event.
The Hellenic Relief Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c) organization. It was founded in January 2012 with the goal of raising funds in the United States to be used towards the purchase of food items and basic necessities for the underprivileged in Greece. To date approximately $475,000 has been remitted to Greece, purchasing products exceeding $600,000 in value since local companies in Greece donate various items, supplementing the deliveries.
Operating expenses in New York are covered by the Board of Directors, and distribution expenses in Greece through a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. All donations in their entirety are used to procure food and other items for those in need in Greece.