The Hellenic Relief Foundation Celebrates its 15th Easter Food Distribution

Athens, Spring 2026 – For the 15th consecutive year, the Greek organization of the omogenia, the Hellenic Relief Foundation, carried out their annual Easter food distribution to 360 families in need. The distribution was carried out over two days – Palm Sunday and Holy Tuesday – at the offices of the Hellenic Voluntary Relief (ΕΛΕΘΣΥ) in the Thiseio neighborhood of Athens.

According to data from the 2025 Income and Living Conditions Survey by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ΕΛΣΤΑΤ), 27.5% of the Greek population (2,797,000 individuals) is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, a 0.6% increase since 2024. The actions of the Hellenic Relief Foundation are a response to that immediate need.

Of special note this year was the joint contribution of Mr. Kostas Zachariadis and the parish of Archangel Michael in Port Washington, New York, whose combined funds financed the purchase of 45 lambs for the distribution. This year also featured the first Easter participation of various AHEPA Hellas chapters, including HJ-38 Phalereus (P. Faliro), HJ-02 Glyfada, HJ-04 Solon (Halandri), HJ-09 Themistocles (Piraeus), and HJ-55 Thucydides (Alimos.) Additionally, AHEPA District 23 (Canada) chapters were represented during the distribution, specifically by the past AHEPA Canada President, Mr. Emmanuel Constas.

The distribution was also made possible by a group of constant sponsors including Arla Foods, Kritikos Super Market, Ariston, Karamolegos, Melissa-Kikizas, Fraggos AEBE, as well as Mr. Nikos Konstantopoulos, candidate for municipal counselor Mr. Omiros Tsapalos, the Social Committee of the Athenian Society, and the former Mayor of Athens Mr. Kostas Bakoyannis.

Packages with basic food items, including meat (lamb), pasta, rice, sugar, flour, orzo, olive oil, milk, and other essentials, were distributed to unemployed families and single-parent homes, including to parishes of St. Athanasios in Thiseio and St. Catherine in Petralona, the Asia Minor Society, the Mutual Assistance Fund of the Association of Greek Actors (TAΣEΗ), and the “Ergastiri,” a center for people with special needs.

For the past 15 years, Ms. Maria Siourdi and her team of volunteers have tirelessly organized the distributions every month and for every major holiday. Their volunteerism is an inspiring example that motivates companies, associations, and individuals to contribute to the H.R.F.’s cause.