AHEPA Continues Efforts, Assistance to Greece: High-level Meetings with U.S. State Dept., Ambassador Mallias

AHEPA Continues Efforts, Assistance to Greece: High-level Meetings with U.S. State Dept., Ambassador Mallias

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the leading association for the nation's 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes, held multiple meetings in order to spear-head and coordinate Greek-American relief efforts in Greece.

After multiple conversations with the U.S. Department of State, AHEPA President Ike Gulas has formulated and implemented a strategy to take the lead on Greek-American's efforts in assisting Greece during this ordeal. "In times of crisis, everyone, and rightfully so, feels the desire to drop everything and assist, however, if there isn't an established point or lead, then all efforts may not see fruition," said Gulas.

President Gulas has asked all the chapters to begin putting together care packages and send them to AHEPA Headquarters for delivery to the victims. In the event constructing a care package is too time consuming or difficult at this time, please send a check in the amount of $150 to AHEPA Headquarters, and we will do so on your chapter's or individual's behalf.

Moreover, this morning, Ambassador Alexandros Mallias, Greece's Ambassador to the U.S., visited AHEPA Headquarters and expressed the need of continued immediate and long-term assistance. The situation was described as being the "worst natural disaster" Greece has ever faced. Mallias also thanked AHEPA for its eagerness, willingness and determination to assist.

See also:

Greece Engulfed in Inferno: PM Calls State of Emergency

AHEPA Initiates International Emergency Care Package Drive for Greek Fire Victims

AHEPA Calls for Volunteer Firefighters

DOP President Expresses Concern, Compassion for Greece as Fires Spread

Special Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Prayers and Relief Aid for the Victims and Survivors of the Tragic Fires in Greece

Greece Aflame: Urgent SAE Appeal for Help. English text. Greek version (25 August 2007).

Greek Death Toll Reaches 15 in Peloponnese Wildfires (25 August 2007)

Via teleconference, President Gulas reiterated AHEPA's commitment to assisting the ongoing effort. Mr. Gulas also informed the Ambassador of its plan of soliciting the assistance of all firefighters willing to travel to Greece in order to fight the fires. "At present, we are working out the logistics, with the U.S. Department of State's guidance, to arrange transportation from the U.S. to Greece," added Gulas.

The problem Greece is faced with today will transcend for generations to come. Therefore, AHEPA will begin collection funds for this tragic emergency from all its sources to assist Greece. AHEPA's commitment to Greece continues, as it has for over 85-years.

(Posted 28 August 2007)

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization in the world. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. During its history, AHEPA has joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. For more information about the organization or how to join, contact AHEPA Headquarters (202-232-6300) or visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org.

HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/archiveahepa.html.