Laval's Greek Community quickly joins relief efforts to combat effects of deadly fires in Greece

At press time, a heat wave threatened to restart the blazes that firefighters had just begun to bring under control at mid-week.

Although there is severe criticism of the slow and ineffective response of the Greek government, the same cannot be said of Greek communities and associations from many parts of the world including Canada, as quick and concerted efforts are made to come to the relief of people in their former country, 63 of whom had perished from the fires as of this past Thursday and many others who had lost homes and livestock.

"The Hellenic Community of Montreal in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Community of Laval and under the auspices of the Canadian Hellenic Congress have today issued an appeal for donations to help victims of fires raging in Greece," says a press release issued at mid-week (Tuesday, August 28).

Interviewed by phone, Mr. Theodosopoulos told Courrier Laval that he is extremely proud of the people's reaction. "I am deeply grateful for their generosity and profoundly humbled by their quick response," he said in reference to the contribution of people of Greek origin in Canada, Quebec, Montreal, and Laval.

"Many of us have family members in the areas affected and all of us have roots in a land that today, is calling for our help," stated Greek Orthodox Community of Laval president Spiros Roumbas. "We ask all who are concerned to join in our collective effort", he added.

Mr. Demetrius Manolakos, President of the Canadian Hellenic Congress was equal in calling for the joint effort of Greek Canadians and all Canadians.

"In response to this unprecedented national emergency declared by the Greek government, we are appealing to all in Montreal, Quebec and the rest of Canada to join in providing support and assistance to those most in need during this difficult time", he said.

In addition, donations can be made online at www.hcm-chm.org or by sending your check, by post, to the coordinates below.

Together, the Hellenic Community of Montreal and the Greek Orthodox Community of Laval are the voice of over 85,000 Quebecers of Greek descent that live in the Montreal and Laval regions. For more information, to help, or to make a donation, please contact the Hellenic Community of Montreal at 514 738-2421, extensions 116 & 125. Further Information is also available at the same number, extension 107. For donations by check: Please make payable to the “Canadian Emergency Fund for Greece” and send care of: The Hellenic Community of Montreal, Canadian Emergency Fund for Greece, 5777 Wilderton Avenue Montreal, QC, H3S 2V7

Tel.: (514) 738-2421 Fax: (514) 738-5466 www.hcm-chm.org

Donations can also be sent or brought in person to St. Nicholas Church, 3780 Souvenir Road, Chomedey, H7V 1Y3, (450) 973-3480; Holy Cross Church, 4865 Souvenir Road, in Chomedey, H7W 1E1; Socrates School, 931 Emerson, Chomedey, H7W 3Y5, ( 450) 681-5142; Demosthenes School, 1565 St.Martin Blvd. West, H7S 1N1, (450) 972-1800.