A cradle of humanity in Petralona offers Easter joy to those without
They have turned social solidarity into a celebration and giving into a way of life. Every month they take care of hundreds of families to procure the necessary. When holidays comeeven under often difficult conditions, they share generously love, friendship, understanding but also what is needed to celebrate and the families served by the “Social Annex” of the “Association of the Athenians”.
Is a dragon of womenwhich they have created a nest of humanity in Petralona, at the junction of Dimophontos and Nileos streets. There is no sign informing what is happening in this ground floor area. There they meet three organizations. The “Social Annex” of the “Association of the Athenians” mentioned above, the “Hellenic Voluntary Support” (EL.ETH.SY) and HellenicRelief, the Homogeneous Foundation which for years has been quietly offering to the wintering Athenian population.
But who are the women with the amazing work? Headed by the experienced volunteer Ms. Maria Sourdithe Honorary president of the “Social Annex” Mr. Saki Kypraiou and Ms. Irini Xakousti the ladies join them Elli Thanoyannis, Antonia Bandouvaki, Soula Belis, Angeliki Chionou and Amy Spanou. On Holy Tuesday, April 11, 2023, distributed more than 350 parcels to beneficiaries, with each parcel containing the necessary lamb, eggs, sweets and various gifts for children.
It was preceded by Holy Monday and followed by Holy Wednesday distribution to agencies and institutions. This year’s Easter distribution became a reality with the brave sponsorship of a valuable expatriate, the Kostas Zachariadis, who was in Athens and participated in the distribution. Because the severe economic crisis may have passed, but the number of our fellow human beings, especially large families, who are tested by poverty is huge.
The smiles and the wishes, the positive atmosphere and the good mood are rewarding volunteers and sponsors. The Nik Group always stands out among the latter. Konstantopoulou, the company “Italkraft” of the Xakoustis family (Miami), “Agrovim”, “Ariston butter”, “FrieslandCampina”, “CocaCola”, “3E”, “Karamolegos”, “ArlaFoods” and the “Food Bank”.
In that corner of western Athens, at the junction of Dimophontos and Nileos streets, in Petralona, a dragon volunteers send their own festive message. A message that has man at its center and calls us – at least these days – to turn to lonely people and those in need.
*central photo: The President of the “Association of Athenians”, Mr. Eleftherios Skiadas, with the managers of the “Social Annex”, Ms. Saki Kypraiou and Maria Sourdi and Mr. Kostas Zaharakos from the Homogenia
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