Christmas parcels of love organised by the Greek Welfare Centre in Victoria

In Victoria, in anticipation of the feast day of Christmas, the packaging and distribution of packages of love, which include food and toys collected by the Greek Welfare Centre of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, is progressing at an great pace.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and with the direction and personal care of Mr. Ioannis Pilalidis, the Greek Welfare Centre held a Christmas Fundraiser this year, calling on members of the Greek Community in Melbourne, and more broadly in Victoria, to offer non-perishable food items, as well as children’s toys, to support individuals and families facing challenging and difficult times.

The collection of the donated products took place in the local Parishes and Communities or directly at the Greek Welfare Centre, at the premises of the Holy Monastery of Our Lady “Axion Esti” in Northcote. The process of packaging the parcels followed, by the staff of the Welfare Centre and by volunteers. Members of the Youth of the Holy Diocese of Chora (GO Youth Chora) contributed to this process, with great enthusiasm and zeal. Then, the distribution of the parcels to the recipients began, with the expectation of offering relief to the economically struggling families and placing smiles on the faces of children during the holy days we are celebrating.

The initiatives of the Greek Welfare Centre have been embraced by the Greek Community and receives a moving response every year. Annually, during the Christmas and Easter periods, approximately 10 tonnes of food are collected, packaged and distributed to 180 to 200 families in 65 areas of greater Melbourne.