Antigone Oreopoulou

Volunteerism Academy HELPHELLAS was established in December 2019 by a group of socially conscious and active citizens, prompted by the wildfire in Mati. The vision of this initiative was to promote and upgrade organized volunteerism in our country, to holistically connect Volunteerism with Education, to coordinate Non-governmental Forces in natural disasters, and to provide social solidarity and humanitarian aid to those affected by natural disasters with speed, flexibility, and transparency. To achieve this, beyond its holistic educational programs on Volunteerism for all ages, and its certification with ISO 29993 for the design of educational programs centered on Volunteerism, it created the HELPHELLAS National Volunteer Coordination Center and the HELPHELLAS National Network for Social Support and Solidarity. These aim to ensure the rapid collection of humanitarian and medical aid on a National Level and its direct distribution to those affected by natural disasters, along with the provision of psychosocial support. At the same time, as part of HELPHELLAS's social work, continuous support is offered—either independently or in collaboration with other social organizations—to large families, single-parent families, and families with members with disabilities (PWDs), through humanitarian aid (clothing, essentials, personal hygiene products, long-life food, linens, household items, school supplies, toys). Lastly, the HELPHELLAS Volunteerism Academy regularly organizes themed events and conferences related to Volunteerism in various fields to promote and enhance the image of the volunteer and volunteerism in our country. In its five years of operation, the HELPHELLAS Volunteerism Academy has been recognized as a volunteer organization with significant humanitarian and voluntary action, especially in areas affected by natural disasters. It has transported and distributed more than 950 tons of humanitarian aid without any financial support or subsidies, and continues to provide ongoing support to dozens of families, as well as social organizations and foundations that have requested its help. Objectives of the HELPHELLAS Volunteerism Academy: Qualitative enhancement of the image of organized volunteerism and volunteers in our country. Connecting volunteerism with education from an early age, and linking the UN Sustainable Development Goals with Active Citizenship and Volunteerism. Development of skills through volunteerism that are essential and useful for professional and everyday life. Provision of Lifelong Learning and Education programs for all ages, covering various thematic areas of Volunteerism. Education, information, and training of the population on natural disasters, focusing on prevention, management, and response. Coordination and information sharing among non-operational forces during natural disasters, through collaboration between the private, public, and social sectors. Timely preparation and organized management in the provision of humanitarian aid, in collaboration with the relevant state authorities, ensuring speed, flexibility, and transparency. Creation of a Humanitarian and Material Aid Management Bank for immediate response to natural disasters and emergency events, in cooperation with the Private Sector and the Greek State. At the same time, supporting public social structures and volunteer organizations that offer social and humanitarian services. Ongoing support and collaboration at the national level with associations of large families, single-parent families, and families with members with disabilities (including clothing—new or gently used in excellent condition, long-life food, personal hygiene items, school supplies, toys, lightly used household equipment, linens, and kitchen items). Promotion and visibility of volunteerism through seminars, conferences, themed events, speeches, festivals, awards, etc., to inform and raise awareness about the importance and value of organized volunteerism and social solidarity in our daily lives.