AHEPA Canada Aids Athens Hospital

AHEPA Canada has announced the donation of much-needed medical equipment to Evaggelismos Hospital in Athens, Greece. A rigid bronchoscope machine valued at 10,000 euros (or approximately $12,000 CDN) has been purchased and sent to the hospital, as the result of a call for aid from hospitals in Greece.

The current economic crisis in Greece means that hospitals are having a more difficult time obtaining funding from government or donations from individuals and companies within Greece. As a result, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the largest Hellenic philanthropic organization in the world, has received many requests for aid from institutions and individuals from Greece. Recently, AHEPA received a wish list of needs from two hospitals in Greece. The Canadian arm of the organization, AHEPA Canada, is the first organization to respond with this purchase.

“AHEPA in Canada has always been in the forefront of assistance to Greece,” said George Vassilas, AHEPA Canadian President. “We are extremely proud of the donation of this equipment, which was purchased through generous donations from our members.”

The organization would like to specially thank AHEPA member and Past Canadian President of AHEPA Nicholas Aroutzidis for his generous donation of $10,000 which made this purchase possible. “This donation by AHEPA Canada is a concrete example of the spirit of solidarity of the Greek Diaspora in Canada with the Greek people and a continuation of the many contributions of this organization to their Motherland,” said Greek Ambassador to Canada Eleftherios Anghelopoulos. “AHEPA continues to provide aid whenever they can to the people of Greece to help them through these difficult times,” he added.

The rigid bronchoscope is a tool used for many different indications, but the machine donated to Evaggelismos Hospital will be used exclusively to prevent lung bleeding while positioning stents in tumours. AHEPA Canada encouraged Canadians of the Greek Diaspora to do whatever they can help Greece in this current time of need and is there to assist those who wish to make donations.

“Globally, we have always been one of the first organizations to answer the call when Greece was in need, be it earthquake, fires, or any other emergency. The current economic crisis is as dire an emergency as any of these examples,” said Vassilas. “It is important that anyone who wishes to help Greece should only work with legitimate entities. AHEPA in Canada is a legitimate organization where Hellenes in the Canada can contact in order to assist Greece.”