Australia’s Hellenic Initiative Campaign Raises more than $1.1 million

The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s One Greece 2017 national philanthropic endeavour has raised more than $1.1 million in a spectacular show of support for Greece during successful events in five cities across Australia.

More than 1,300 people attended events held over 10 days as part of One Greece 2017, which for the first time brought together Greek and philhellene communities in five major cities to harness the strength and resources of the Hellenic diaspora in Australia for the benefit of Greece and its people.

The premier event of the series was the sold-out Sydney Gala Dinner on Friday, 6 October at the magnificent Sydney Town Hall, where more than 650 guests were treated to a special performance by Greece’s renowned songstress Alkistis Protopsalti in her only Australian show.

Special international guest speakers Princess Tatiana, The Hellenic Initiative’s inaugural International Ambassador, and Alexander Theodoridis, the inspirational co-Founder of the innovative food saving and donating non-profit organisation, Boroume (We Can) powerfully brought home the current issues facing Greece and plight of those affected by the current social and economic situation.

One Greece 2017 has been a fantastic representation of how the Greek-Australian community across the country galvanises in support of the people of Greece. The series raised more than $1.1 million nationally, which will fund THI programs over the next five years, focusing on crisis relief, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development initiatives.

The Hellenic Initiative Australia will also be boosting its pioneering Internship Program following strong support from businesses and corporate Australia, with several new fully-funded internship positions offered across Australia to promising Greek graduates. Fourteen interns from Greece have already participated in the program since it was launched in 2015.

The Hellenic Initiative Australia will also be supporting initiatives that have a positive impact on Greek society and increasing Australian involvement in programs that promote entrepreneurship and encourage investment and longer-term economic renewal for Greece, such as Venture Fair, Venture Garden and the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Awards.

One Greece 2017 was a unique opportunity to highlight the great work being done in Greece by organisations such as Boroume, with support of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, which are making a real difference.

One Greece 2017 events included a private dinner in Melbourne hosted by The Hellenic Initiative Australia Board Director, Mr Harry Stamoulis, on Tuesday, 3 October.

In Western Australia, 200 people attended the Perth Gala Dinner on Sunday, 8 October at Government House.

In South Australia, an intimate fundraiser was held at Penfold’s Magill Estate on Tuesday, 10 October, while the Treasurer, The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP hosted a reception at the Convention Centre for more than 150 members of the Adelaide Greek and business community.

The final event, held in Darwin on Thursday, 12 October, was hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, The Hon Nicole Manison MLA at Parliament House.

Source: www.onegreece.com.au