The New York-based Greek America Foundation is encouraging people to donate their birthdays to benefit thousands of underprivileged children living in Greece.

The fundraising effort forms part of the foundation’s recently launched campaign, titled #ChildrenOfGreece, which aims to raise awareness among North Americans about the challenges faced by Greece’s children — the most vulnerable members of society in the country.

Over the next two years, the foundation has committed to raising funds and awareness for six Greek charities whose work directly impacts children in all facets of life — from birth through their developing years, into adolescence and beyond.

So far the campaign has sent tens of thousands of dollars to reputable charities such as METAdrasi, HOPEgenesis and Kivotos Tou Kosmou (Ark of the World). The Greek America Foundation receives quarterly updates on how the charities allocate donated funds and provides periodic updates via its social media.

Founder and President Gregory Pappas said that the #ChildrenOfGreece campaign is providing this aid at a critical moment in history.

“Throughout modern Greek history, children have been among the biggest victims of war, poverty and social unrest,” Pappas said. “This is still true today. It’s always the children who are at risk.”

With an average of one in four children living in poverty — according to UNICEF — Greece has one of the highest child poverty rates in the EU.

The six charities that the Greek America Foundation is supporting aim to alleviate such issues — and others — plaguing children in Greece. The list includes METAdrasi, HOPEgenesis, Kivotos Tou Kosmou, The HOME Project, ELIZA and SOS Children’s villages. 

The #ChildenOfGreece campaign falls under the foundation’s Project Hope for Greece division. Since 2010, Project Hope has raised almost $1 million for Greek non-profits doing important work to alleviate crises in the country.

A step-by-step guide created by the foundation explains how to donate a birthday for the campaign via Facebook. In past years, dozens of people have hosted parties and asked for donations in lieu of gifts.

For more information, click here to visit the foundation’s website.