Volunteering in Greece

Please support any of the worthy causes below.
Your contribution will make a world of difference!

Caretta caretta

If you wish to make a donation to a worthy cause in 2006, INVgr has selected a few charities in Greece that are in need of your support:

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières):
MSF is an international humanitarian aid agency that provides emergency medical assistance to people in war-torn and disaster-struck regions in more than 80 countries. It provides this medical aid wherever needed, regardless of race, relegion, politics or sex. In countries where health structures are insufficient or even non-existent, MSF collaborates with authorities such as the Ministry of Health to provide assistance. MSF Greece needs cash donations to fund its work. Bank account numbers: National Bank of Greece SA (080/480847-95), Alpha Bank SA (104/002786-014420), ATEbank (435-01-001400-33), Emporiki Bank of Greece SA (83658835) or on-line via winbank's winlife Web site. For more information, ring +30 210 520 0500. Fax: +30 210 520 0503. The group's office is located at 15, Xenias Street, GR-115 27 Athens. URL: http://www.msf.gr/.

Doctors of the World (Médecins du Monde-Greece):
This independent non-governmental organisation provides humanitarian medical aid in Greece and abroad. In Greece, the group runs a shelter for asylum-seekers and refugees in downtown Athens, another shelter for women victims of sex trafficking and a free walk-in medical centre. MdM-Greece needs new clothes and underwear for men, women and children, telephone cards (telekartes), toothpaste, shampoo, soap, diapers and other toiletries, as well as plates, cutlery and dry foods. Cooking spices are needed as well. So are cigarettes for the adults staying at the shelters. Also, you can make cash donations at: National Bank of Greece (141/29611217), Emporiki Bank of Greece (001-29534144) and Alpha Bank (199-00-2002-002401). For more information on Médecins du Monde-Greece ("Giatri tou Kosmou-Ellada"), ring Dr. Eleftheria Parthenopoulou on +30 210 321 3150 or 801 1000 100 (only within Greece) . Fax: +30 210 321 3850. E-mail: [email protected]. URL (in English): http://www.mdmgreece.gr/intro/indexen.asp. URL (in Greek): http://www.mdmgreece.gr/. The group's offices and Shelter for Asylum Seekers "Nafsika" are based at 12, Sapfous Street, GR-105 53 Athens.

SOS Children's Village:
The Greek branch of an international child welfare organisation. The non-profit group provides homes and a family environment to abandoned, orphaned and destitute children of all nationalities. Two villages in Greece -- one in Vari and another in Plagiari, near Thessaloniki -- admit children who have lost either one or both parents or whose parents cannot provide for them any longer. A third village is under construction in Thrace, northern Greece. Single women are hired as SOS mothers. The group needs dry foods and cash donations to fund its work. Bank accounts: National Bank of Greece (104/48022763), Alpha Bank (101-002101-161787) and EFG Eurobank Ergasias SA (0026-0201-91-010099-1765). For more information, ring +30 210 331 3661. The group's office is located at 6, Ermou Street, Syntagma Square, central Athens. URL: http://archive.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/.

Hellenic Red Cross:
Founded by Henry Dunant, this is a non-profit organisation that feeds hundreds of asylum-seekers and refugees on a daily basis. It cares for a large number of refugee families at shelters. The Hellenic Red Cross is in need of food donations (powdered mild, oil, flour, and starchy and canned foods); also of new clothes and shoes for adults, as well as women's underwear and toiletries. For more information, ring +30 210 514 7300. The organisation's warehouse is located at 111, Astrous Street, Kolonos. It is open weekdays 8am to 2pm. URL: http://www.redcross.gr/.

Caritas Hellas:
The Greek branch of an international charity organisation of the Catholic Church active in 196 countries. It runs a small school for dozens of migrant and refugee children in Athens. It daily feeds several hundred needy, mainly migrants and asylum-seekers, and distributes food to families facing difficulties. Food donations (lentils, beans, milk, sugar, oil) are always welcome. The group is located at 52, Kapodistriou Street in downtown Athens. For more information, ring +30 210 524 7879, fax +30 210 524 7990, E-mail: [email protected] or visit http://www.caritas.gr/indexen.html.

Klimaka:
This local non-governmental organisation runs numerous programmes assisting Roma (or Gypsies), immigrants, disabled and homeless in Greece. It recently opened a shelter for immigrant women victims of trafficking. Donations are welcome. Kyriakos Katsadoros is the organisation's founder and director. For details, ring +30 210 341 7160.

RETO Hellas:
This Koropi, Athens-based non-governmental organisation reaches out to drug addicts living on the edge of society. It is collecting used items -- gifts, electrical goods, furniture, clothes -- in order to raise money to fund its street work programme. Volunteers pick up donations. For more details, ring +30 210 662 5096. The group is located at 9, Irakleous Street, Koropi.

Volunteer Work Athens:
This organisation is seeking people to teach immigrants and refugees the Greek and/or English language on a volunteer basis. For details, ring +30 210 330 1686 or +30 210 522 1149 or E-mail [email protected].

Homeless shelter:
A homeless shelter in Kavouri (20, Litous Street, Vouliagmeni) has become home for Greek and European citizens who would otherwise be living on the street. The shelter also assists single mothers, the elderly and people suffering from emotional and psychological problems, as well as recovering drug addicts. The shelter is calling for donations (cotton quilts and covers, linens, bus tickets, etc.). For more information, ring Vasilis Manolatos (social worker) on +30 210 896 2619 or +30 210 896 2618.

Kivotos:
Kivotos (Ark) is a multi-ethnic youth centre in Kolonos, a run-down inner-city neighbourhood. It offers a safe and secure home away from home for more than 300 children (Greeks, migrants and refugees) of broken or impoverished families. The children are fed twice a day and offered a break from daily troubles through creative play and sports. The centre is open daily from 9am to midnight for children aged four to 17. It is run by Father Antonios Papanikolaou, a young Greek Orthodox priest, who has dedicated his life to rescuing hundreds of disadvantaged Greek and refugee youngsters from the brink of social exclusion. For more information, ring +30 210 514 1935.

WWF Hellas:
The local branch of the World Wide Fund of Nature, the global conservation, research, environmental advocacy, and restoration organisation formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund, always welcomes new volunteers and donations. The group is raising public awareness and campaigns for the protection of nature. WWF Hellas has campaigned in the past against construction projects that threaten indigenous flora and fauna, led an education drive against the import and sale of illegal species (and products derived thereof) and increased awareness about endangered sea creatures such as turtles and seals, among many other projects. WWF's offices are located at 26, Filellinon Street in downtown Athens. +30 210 331 4893. Fax: +30 210 324 7578. E-mail: [email protected]. URL (in Greek): http://www.wwf.gr/. URL (in English): http://www.panda.org/. Also check out the Dadia Forest Wildlife Reserve.

WWF Eurobank Visa

Greenpeace:
The Greek branch of this international, independently-funded organisation that works to protect the environment is always looking for volunteers and assistance. In Greece, Greenpeace takes an active stand against government and industry to halt harmful practices by negotiating solutions. For details about how you can help, ring +30 210 384 0774, +30 210 384 0775 or fax +30 210 380 4008. E-mail: [email protected]. URL (in Greek): http://www.greenpeace.gr/. URL (in English): http://www.greenpeace.org/.

ActionAid Hellas:
ActionAid is an international, non-governmental, non-profit, development organisation whose aim is to fight poverty world-wide. ActionAid was formed in 1972, while ActionAid Hellas was launched in 1998. For over 30 years, the NGO has been growing and expanding to where it is today: helping over 13 million of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people in 42 countries world-wide. ActionAid's vision is a world without poverty in which every person can exercise their right to a life of dignity. More than 28,000 people in Greece actively support its work. To help fight poverty together, contact the group's Greek office at 52, Falirou Street, Koukaki, GR-117 41 Athens. Tel. (within Greece): 801 11 228 466 or +30 210 921 2321 (from overseas). E-mail: [email protected]. URL (in English): http://www.actionaid.gr/english.

Hellenic National Committee for UNICEF:
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the leading advocate for children's rights, active in 157 countries and territories around the world. On May 1, 2005, Ann M. Veneman, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, became the fifth Executive Director to lead the UN children's agency in its 60-year history. Veneman said that among her top priorities are ensuring that UNICEF works to advance the Millennium Development Goals, strengthen partnerships and build new collaborations with governments, fellow UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups and communities. UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realised. The group's office is located at 8, Andreou Dimitriou Street & 37, John Kennedy Street, GR-161 21 Kaisariani, Athens. Tel.: +30 210 755 5555. Fax: +30 210 725 2555. URL (in Greek): http://www.unicef.gr/. URL (in English): http://www.unicef.org/.

Diners Club - UNICEF

Nea Zoi (Lost Coin):
The Association for the Support & Restoration of Individuals in Prostitution is a Christian organisation devoted to men and women in the sex trade. Motivated by God's love, Nea Zoi (also known as Elpida gia Zoi or Lost Coin) visits the red light districts of Athens on Monday and Thursday evenings. They offer friendship, advice and opportunities for change, believing that a relationship with a loving God is the foundation for lasting transformation. At their drop-in centre and office in Athens during the week, Nea Zoi welcomes men and women for conversation, counseling and prayer. They also offer access to information and referrals to other ministries and social services in the city. Be part of the journey from ruins to restoration. For financial support: EFG Eurobank Ergasias (0026.0178.87.0100999487). Nea Zoi's office is located at: 7, Vilara Street, 3rd floor, GR-104 37 Athens. Tel.: +30 210 520 3852. E-mail: [email protected]. URL: http://www.iteams.org/wws/europe/athens_lostcoin.shtml.

Animal-Lovers' Society of Agia Paraskevi:
This organisation is responsible for the healthy, plump, collar-wearing, vaccinated and sterilised stray dogs one sees lounging around the main square of this suburb of Athens. As well as providing food and care for the homeless animals, the society also puts pressure on the government to implement existing animal welfare laws and to encourage sterilisation of pets. Contact Kiveli N. Petroheilou on +30 210 639 0916 (only in Greek). Address: 7, Gounari Dimitriou Street, Agia Paraskevi.

Hellenic Anti-Hunting Initiative (EFAP):
EFAP, the Greek branch of UK-based organisation Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), campaigns for better conditions for farm animals. Founded in 1985, the Athens-based group also lobbies the government on other animal welfare issues and is a founding member of EAR - Europe for Animal Rights. Contact Gabriela Papaspiliopoulou or Elena Taxeri on +30 210 363 1162. Fax: +30 210 363 7629. Or visit the group at 37, Lykavittou Street in Athens.

Arcturos:
In 1992, Aetos Florinas-based Arcturos was formed as a non-profit organisation and the following year began programmes to protect the brown bear, eventually attracting European Union and private-sector support, as well as funds from WWF Hellas. Today, the group's work focuses on protecting and managing the area's natural environment and wildlife. Besides its main activities which always concern captured bears and wolves, Arcturos organises awareness campaigns, studies bears and large mammals, and is leading Balkan initiatives to monitor and protect the region's bear population. For further information, call +30 23860 41500, fax +30 23860 41500, E-mail: [email protected] or visit the NGO's Web site (in Greek) http://www.arcturos.gr/. Also check out the Arcturos Bear Sanctuary, Mount Nympeon, Greece.

Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece:
This Athens-based society studies and protects Caretta caretta nesting areas and was instrumental in the creation of the first marine park for Mediterranean sea turtles on Zakynthos. Call/fax Dimitris Margaritoulis on +30 210 523 1342, E-mail [email protected] or check the NGO's Web site http://www.archelon.gr/. The society's office is located at 57, Solomou Street, 104 32 Athens, while the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (STRC) in Glyfada can be contacted on +30 210 894 4444. [26th Sea Turtle Symposium, Crete, April 3-8, 2006]

Athens Municipality:
The Municipality of Athens operates a catch-neuter-release programme for stray dogs in the inner Athens area. They also offer a number of puppies and older dogs for rehoming. For details, ring Deputy Mayor Tonia Kanellopoulou's office on +30 210 527 7580.

Elliniki Etairia:
Founded in 1972 and member of the IUCN (the World Conservation Union), the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage (Elliniki Etairia) works for protection of the country's cultural and natural heritage. Elliniki Etairia's headquarters are located at 28, Tripodon Street, Plaka, GR-105 58 Athens. Tel.: +30 210 322 6693, +30 210 322 5245. Fax +30 210 322 5240. E-mail: [email protected]. URL: http://www.ellinikietairia.gr/.

Therapeutic Holidays Centre (THC):
THC is a pioneering, charitable organisation on the island of Crete. For over 13 years, it has been offering holidays combined with an extensive range of healing programs and activities for people with various disabilities, regardless of age. Contact THC at: Therapeutic Holiday Centre, Villa Semeli, Karteros, GR-715 00 Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Tel.: +30 2810 381 523, Mobile: +30 6937 263 738, Fax: +30 2810 381 074. URL: http://www.therapeutic-holidays.org.gr/.

Hellenic Cancer Society:
This non-profit organisation was founded in 1958. Emphasis is given to information for prevention and early diagnosis of the disease. Therapy is mainly taken over by oncological hospitals but psychological rehabilitation in collaboration with the Helpline is part of their programmes. Works for the completion of two centres for Treatment and Rehabilitation of cancer are presently in progress. The Hellenic Cancer Society, which won the 1998 Prize of the Academy of Athens, needs your help. Join the society by calling +30 210 645 6713, +30 210 645 6714 or +30 210 645 6715. Fax: +30 210 641 0011. The organisation's office is located at 18-20, A. Tsoha Street, GR-115 21 Athens.

Friends of the Cat:
This Greek charity feeds and cares for the cat colony in the National Gardens, also sterilises feral and abandoned cats throughout mainland Greece and the islands. They are desperately short of volunteers and need people to help with driving, feeding, cage cleaning, fundraising and, of course, the group needs good homes for cats and kittens. And even if you do not have any spare time, why not just become a member? Subscription is EUR 30 per annum and you will be doing your bit to help the strays. Contact the society's office on +30 210 701 4044. URL: http://www.friendsofthecat.com/.

Frontida Zoon:
This organisation lobbies the authorities and reports in the press on the legalities and illegalities of animal welfare issues such as adoptions abroad, circuses and poisoning. Contact Amalia Katsoula on +30 210 823 6726. Address: 29, Zaimi Street, Athens.

Greek Animal Rescue (GAR):
A UK-based charity founded in 1989, GAR works with shelters and organisations throughout Greece, rehoming animals, providing equipment, subsidising spay/neuter programmes, etc. Call +44 20 8203 1956, fax: +44 20 8202 8809, E-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.greekanimalrescue.com/. Also visit Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e. V. (Noah's Ark - Crete) and Greek Animal Rescue - Canada (GARCANADA).

Greek Animal Welfare Fund (GAWF):
GAWF has launched two nationwide campaigns in the past two years -- one against poisoning, the other about responsible pet ownership. Additionally, the society undertakes humane education programmes in Greek schools; funds organisations all over Greece; sterilises and gives necessary treatment to feral and abandoned animals on both the mainland and the islands; provides medical check-ups to working equines; liaises with international organisations such as The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and lobbies the authorities. Call GAWF's office in Athens on +30 210 384 0010. URL: http://www.gawf.org.uk/.

Hellenic Animal Welfare Society (Filozoiki):
Filozoiki works with Attica municipalities on neutering and vaccination programmes and organises information campaigns on television and other media. At its clinic/shelter near the Athens International Airport it has a large number of puppies. kittens, cats and dogs in need of adoption. Call +30 210 602 0202. Fax: +30 210 602 1353. E-mail: [email protected]. URL (in Greek): http://www.filozoiki.gr/.

Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS):
HOS works with international birdlife organisations, aims to protect indigenous species and keep safe havens for migratory birds on their travels. Conducts research into, and provides data about, populations of wild birds. Call the Athens office on +30 210 822 7937, E-mail: [email protected], the Thessaloniki office on +30 2310 244245, E-mail: [email protected] or visit http://www.ornithologiki.gr/en/enmain.htm.

Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN):
Founded in 1951, this society focuses on establishing protected areas and on wildlife conservation. HSPN's office is located at 20, Nikis Street, 105 57 Athens. Call +30 210 322 4944, fax: +30 210 322 5285, E-mail: [email protected] or visit http://www.eepf.gr/.

MEDASSET:
The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles (MEDASSET) sets up conservation projects and awareness campaigns about all species of sea turtle -- particularly the endangered Caretta caretta -- and lobbies the government to formulate and enforce legislation to protect indigenous species. Call founder and President Lily Venizelos on +30 210 361 3572 or +30 210 364 0389. Fax +30 210 361 3572. E-mail [email protected] URL: http://www.medasset.org/medas.htm.

MOm:
The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal (MOm) aims to conserve the marine environment to ensure the survival of the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus). In 1992, it established Greece's first National Marine Park on Alonissos, in the Northern Sporades islands. Animals needing medical attention are transported from all over Greece to the refuge, from which the seals are reintroduced back into their natural habitat once healthy again. Call +30 210 522 2888, E-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.mom.gr/eng_version/new_eng_v … glish.htm.

Olga Malli Society of Kaisariani:
This society sterilises and provides medical care and food for the strays of Kaisariani area in Athens, including the colonies of abandoned dogs that live on Mount Ymittos. Call +30 210 766 9629.

Pets.gr-Stray.gr / Greek Animal Community:
This group of volunteers feed and provide medical care for stray animals in various areas of Attica. They also try to find good homes for puppies and kittens that cannot survive on the streets. For more information, see the Web site (in Greek, English, German) http://www.stray.gr/ or call on +30 6944 502090, +30 6934 726971, +30 6947 073290, fax: +30 210 932 6080. E-mail: [email protected]. Or send this group a letter at: Stray.gr, Volunteering Team, P.O. Box 76325, GR-171 02 Athens, Greece.

Society for the Protection of Stray Animals (SPAZ):
SPAZ organises sterilisation and medical care for stray dogs living in the southern suburbs of Athens. The group is also actively involved in lobbying for more humane stray animal population control, government-run neutering programs, animal welfare education in the schools and a general public relations programme to inform people about animals, their needs and their value in our society. For further information, contact Joanna Doulakis, President of SPAZ, on +30 210 965 8102 (mornings are best). URL: http://www.spazgreece.com/.

St. Bernard's Society:
This society sterilises stray cats and dogs and tries to find good homes for animals that are unable, for one reason or another, to cope on the streets. Contact Mrs. Venni of the "Agios Bernardos" (Saint Bernard) Philanthropic & Animal Welfare Society on +30 210 453 9447. Fax: +30 210 451 7485. Address: 258, Praxitelous Street, GR-185 36 Piraeus. E-mail: [email protected].

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Relief Effort:
The victims of Hurricane Katrina need our help. If you are interested, donations are accepted at the Bank of Greece (account number: 2341065503) or by wire transfer (IBAN: GR0701 00023 000000 2341065503). Code: USA.

Recommended reading: "Green Pages" (in Greek)

Green Pages (Livanis Publishing Organisation SA, 1998)