The fires of 2021 that ravaged Greece took an especially hard toll on the residents of Evia. Diaspora Greeks rallied to raise money for the homeland, and those efforts continue to make a massive difference.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH) raised over $1.1 million since August 2021 through the Greek Fires Relief Fund. Over the last year, funds raised were employed for relief efforts to aid individuals, businesses, and healthcare facilities affected by the catastrophic wildfires in Northern Evia during the summer of 2021.
To distribute the funds and put them to their best, most effective use, GOARCH partnered with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). A needs assessment was perfumed along with an effective plan for both immediate and long-term funds distribution. This included: long-term (one year) financial assistance to affected individuals, 6-month’s worth of financial assistance to resin collectors who lost a significant source of income as a result of decimated pine forests, financial assistance to businesses that suffered material damage, and assistance with regional health care needs that were exacerbated by wildfire devastation.
Informed by IOCC’s logistical expertise and on-the-ground capabilities, GOARCH’s initiative was one of the first responses to provide direct monetary assistance to affected individuals and businesses in Northern Evia. There were approximately 1,725 direct beneficiaries in the region.
Highlighted Efforts:
- 301 families of resin collectors received supermarket vouchers of up to 200 Euros per month from June to December 2022.
- 9 small family businesses received technical equipment, each worth approximately 10,000 Euros. The recipient businesses included construction companies, carpenters, wood trade, agriculture, and others.
- 182 livestock farmers received or will receive 400 metric tons of animal feed which covered their need for animal feed for several months.
- 182 livestock farmers received supermarket vouchers for their families’ needs.
- 34 fire-affected homeowners received household vouchers, each worth approximately 1,000 Euros. Funds were used to purchase sofas, beds, laundry machines, refrigerators, etc.
- 60 fire-affected homeowners received supermarket vouchers up to 200 Euros per month through December 2022.
- 16 small family-owned businesses received supermarket vouchers up to 200 Euros per month from November 2021 to December 2022.
- One ambulance was procured for the Health Center of Mantoudi, which provides medical care to 12,000 people. The ambulance is expected to be delivered at the end of 2022 or early 2023. Another ambulance will be provided to the Health Center of Istiaia in 2023.
- Medical equipment (10 electrocardiograms) to be provided to the Health Centers of Mantoudi and Istiaia in 2023.
This is an incredible example of how the diaspora can and continues to mobilize for the motherland.
