Archbishop Demetrios of America has been awarded the “Humanism and Charity Award” by the Cyprus Children’s Fund during the 2016 annual testimonial dinner of the Fund in the presence of the First Lady of Cyprus Andri Anastasiades.
In her address, Andri Anastasiades said that “it was our ancestor Evripides who said that “Friends show their love in times of trouble” and that is the epitome of what the Cyprus Children’s Fund has done over the past four decades for Cyprus and our people. Thousands of refugee children and their families received much needed help and support after the Turkish invasion of 1974”.
“This tangible and valuable help continued and evolved over the years, elevating the Children’s Fund to a trustworthy ally for children in need. Whether it is children of displaced families, abandonment, single parenthood, substance abuse, neglect, children enclaved in the occupied territories and many more problems, the Children Fund has been there to offer support and relief, thus bettering their life, always in cooperation with the relevant authorities”, she noted.
In addition, she said, “many underprivileged students of Greek and Cypriot descent have enjoyed scholarships from the Cyprus Children’s Fund which help the fulfillment of their dream for quality education at American Universities. The fact that through the year, 400 children have been supported with the Fund’s one-on-one sponsorship speaks volumes about the direct impact your valuable contribution has in bettering the lives of children in need,” she concluded.
Cyprus Children’s Fund handed over to Anastasiades a check of $ 25,000 to strengthen the Independent Social Support Body which supports Cypriot students who encounter problems with their studies due to financial crisis.
At the same time the Greek Cypriot teacher and a member of the Board of the Fund for many years Constantia Paul was also honoured during the event for 40 years of service to Cyprus Children’s Fund and her rich philanthropic activity.
