Order of AHEPA
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

NEWS RELEASE
December 17, 2001

George N. Dussias
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0977-941-552

AHEPA Donates Mini-Van to Hellenic Red Cross

September 7, 1999 Athens suffered the devastating effects of a 6.9 Richter earthquake. The damage was extensive throughout the Attica region. During the aftermath of this disaster the remarkable efforts of the various rescue teams was put to the test. Many lives were saved due to the rapid and dedicated efforts of the rescuers. Many local individuals, organizations and corporations as well as the government provided immediate financial support to the victims to help minimize their suffering.

AHEPA's Past Supreme President George Dariotis immediately after the earthquake called on all AHEPA Family members in the United States and Canada to raise $100,000 to help the victims. Eventually over $220,000 was raised and in order to properly control the funds, a separate account was established with the Hellenic Red Cross in Athens. AHEPA then created an oversight committee composed of local AHEPA Chapter members headed by Athens HJ-1 Chapter President Panos Liatsos.

As it was eventually determined that the government and local businesses had filled the needs of the victims, AHEPA then looked at where it could best utilize its donation of 84,000,000 drachmas. The first commitment made was to contribute 40,000,000 drs towards the construction of a children's day-care center in Menidi the hardest hit area. Another gap was then determined to be the lack of sonar equipment to locate trapped persons in rubble. After extensive research by the local committee the best and most high tech equipment was purchased and donated to the Hellenic Red Cross. This sonar equipment is now based in Patra with the HRC rescue team. Although we hope this equipment will never need to be utilized, it is hoped that this sonar will help save many lives.

On Friday, 12:00 noon December 14, 2001 AHEPA Supreme President Andy Banis, Chairman of the Board Steve Betzelos, President of AHEPA Canada Xenofon Skoufaras and Board member Frank Manios traveled to Athens and presented the keys to a personnel passenger mini-van to the Hellenic Red Cross. Once again it was determined that there was a need to transport emergency rescue teams and equipment rapidly to the disaster areas. After extensive research of the various type of vehicles and needs specified by the HRC the local committee presented the Board with the best possible choice. The Mercedes Minivan capable of carrying 7 passengers and some equipment has been purchased and donated to assist the HRC to help save lives. The local AHEPA Athens HJ-1 and Hellas District 25 committee members included, Panos Liatsos, George Dussias, Anthony Tsouyopoulos-Gremos, Jenny Diamantis and George Costas.

The next donation to be made is that of an Ambulance to the Evangelizmos Hospital where there already exists the 10 story AHEPA Wing. This Mercedes ambulance is currently on order and will be delivered in January 2002.
AHEPA is the largest Greek American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination.
The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence.
The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena.
For more information about AHEPA, or how to join the AHEPA family, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, 202/232-6300. For instant information visit www.ahepa.org