Press Release
365+ Days of Care: Food aid program for the elderly living in the fire-stricken communities of Attica, by Prolepsis Institute and SYN-ENOSIS
Athens, March 6, 2019. The Non-Profit Greek Shipowners' Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS, along with Prolepsis, the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, as the implementing body, will provide daily meals to Eastern Attica residents over 65 years old who have been affected by wildfires, under the 365+ Days of Care program. This program will be implemented in the affected areas of the Municipalities of Rafina - Pikermi and Marathon - Nea Makri.
The 365+ Days of Care initiative is part of the action plan developed by SYN-ENOSIS for the support of fire victims in Attica. The plan includes a series of targeted initiatives in the areas of psychological and nutritional support of victims, as well as other parallel actions.
The 365+ Days of Care food aid program will be activated in March 2019 and its duration will be of one year. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to local people aged 65 and over. Beneficiaries will be selected in accordance with criteria relating to their living conditions, health status and other, wider socio-economic considerations.
Prolepsis Institute will be responsible for planning and implementing the 365+ Days of Care program. The Institute's specialized scientific staff will design meals based on the principles of healthy eating, as reflected in the National Nutrition Guides; meals will be distributed on a daily basis and will be personalized according to the medical history and particular nutritional needs of the participants.
Mr. Theodoros Veniamis, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Non-Profit Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS, said: "With a particular sense of responsibility, we continue to implement the action plan for the support of Attica citizens affected by the wildfires. Τhis collaboration will utilize the scientific expertise and long-term experience of the Prolepsis Institute to improve the everyday lives and to promote the health of the elderly in these areas. The Greek shipping and maritime community continue to stand by the victims from vulnerable groups, actively supporting the elderly. "
“The immediate and extraordinary mobilization of the Greek shipowners and maritime community for the substantial support of fire victims is deeply moving,” said Mrs. Athena Linou, Professor at Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and President of the Prolepsis Institute. “This honorary cooperation with SYN-ENOSIS enables us to offer tangible support to the local fire-affected elderly through the applied humanitarian work of Prolepsis Institute."
Those wishing to participate, to receive information on the 365+ Days of Care program, or to volunteer may call +30 210-6180520. For more information, you may contact Mr Yannis Koutelidas in the following numbers: +30 210-6255700 (ext. 119) and +30 6936631702.
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About the Non-Profit Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS
The Non-Profit Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS was established in 2016 by members of the Union of Greek Shipowners. SYN-ENOSIS aims to become the permanent vehicle and a solid reference point for the collective social responsibility of the shipping community. SYN-ENOSIS' task is to contribute to Greek society by supporting social welfare programmes and activities for vulnerable social groups and for projects of public interest, through the provision of humanitarian and charitable aid.
About Prolepsis Institute
The Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis is a nongovernmental organization, active in the field of public health since 1990. Its mission is to respond to public health challenges in Greece and in Europe, by carrying academic research and implementing its findings on humanitarian and educational projects aimed at combating poverty and social exclusion, as well as promoting the health of vulnerable population groups. Prolepsis Institute has developed the National Dietary Guidelines for Adults, as well as for Infants, children and teenagers, Women and Individuals over 65 years of age in Greece. Since 2012, it has been implementing the Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition Program DIATROFI, with Stavros Niarchos Foundation as the Founding Donor.