The devastating Athens Fires have shocked many and yielded a world-wide response with pledges of money and expertise made to the Greek state. The fires also brought to light the constrained fire-fighting capabilities of the Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters who due to a lack of resources are hamstrung in their endeavors.

Following suggestions from the Greek Government about how to best offer support for the relief effort, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has been in contact with the Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Union (HVFU) who have requested support to help purchase protective clothing and equipment which is desperately needed for its 2000 strong volunteer force.

To outfit a firefighter costs 1000 euro and as such, the GCM has set up a fund with a view to raising as much money to outfit multiple volunteers.

The GCM has written to fellow Melbourne organisations seeking support for the fund and will promote it for the coming weeks with a view to presenting to the HVFU any funds raised in mid-September when a GCM delegation visits Greece. Greek organisations have been invited in a meeting at the Greek Centre on Wednesday 22 Ausgust (7-9 pm) to discuss the issue.

Specifically, the GCM will donate all of the proceeds from its Live At The Greek event on 24 August to the fund.

All are welcome to contribute with all the proceeds being directly presented to the HVFU and being used to purchase protective clothing as required.

To contribute to the fund, please deposit money to:

Bank: Commonwealth Bank
Name: Athens Fires Relief Fund
BSB: 063 023
A/C No: 1048 1886

ABOUT THE HVFU: http://www.vfu.gr/index.php/8-right_area/425-support-volunteer-firefighters

When: Wednesday 22 August 2018, 7.00μμ-9.00
Where: Greek Centre, Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne