360 families in Athens receive support – contributions from AHEPA Hellas, AHEPA Canada, and multiple sponsors
ATHENS, GREECE –
For the 15th consecutive year, the Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) carried out its annual Easter food distribution, supporting 360 families in need. The distribution took place over two days—Palm Sunday and Holy Tuesday—at the offices of Hellenic Voluntary Relief (ΕΛΕΘΣΥ) in the Thiseio neighborhood of Athens.
According to the 2025 Income and Living Conditions Survey by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ΕΛΣΤΑΤ), 27.5% of the Greek population—approximately 2,797,000 people—is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, marking a 0.6% increase from 2024. The HRF’s ongoing initiatives aim to respond directly to these growing needs.
A notable contribution this year came from Kostas Zachariadis and the parish of Archangel Michael in Port Washington, New York, whose combined support funded the purchase of 45 lambs for distribution. This Easter also marked the first participation of several AHEPA Hellas chapters, including HJ‑38 Phalereus (P. Faliro), HJ‑02 Glyfada, HJ‑04 Solon (Halandri), HJ‑09 Themistocles (Piraeus), and HJ‑55 Thucydides (Alimos). AHEPA District 23 (Canada) chapters were also represented, with past AHEPA Canada President Emmanuel Constas attending the distribution.
The distribution was supported by long‑standing sponsors such as Arla Foods, Kritikos Super Market, Ariston, Karamolegos, Melissa‑Kikizas, Fraggos AEBE, as well as Nikos Konstantopoulos, municipal council candidate Omiros Tsapalos, the Social Committee of the Athenian Society, and former Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis.
Packages containing essential food items, including lamb, pasta, rice, sugar, flour, orzo, olive oil, milk, and other staples, were distributed to unemployed families and single‑parent households. Additional support was extended to the parishes of St. Athanasios in Thiseio and St. Catherine in Petralona, the Asia Minor Society, the Mutual Assistance Fund of the Association of Greek Actors (TAΣEΗ), and “Ergastiri,” a center for individuals with special needs.
For 15 years, Maria Siourdi and her dedicated team of volunteers have tirelessly organized monthly distributions and holiday initiatives. Their commitment continues to inspire companies, associations, and individuals to support the mission of the Hellenic Relief Foundation.
