HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY THE CYPRUS FIRES

Hello everyone!

We need your support. Cyprus is suffering, we are currently experiencing what is being described as "the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus," Forestries Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou.

Many of you have witnessed the devastating images of fires raging and spreading yesterday, forcing evacuations, loss of homes, and loss of life. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, affected at least 8 communities over an area of 50 square kilometres (19 square miles). On Saturday 3rd July 2021, a wildfire in Arakapas resulted in the destruction of the villages Eptagonia, Odou, Ayios Konstantinos, Parekklisia, Melini, Ora, Ayioi Vavatsinias, Sikopetra, and Dierona. The media announced that over 2000 people had to evacuate their homes and that over 55 square kilometres were destroyed.

Additionally, we have found that four people have died and until now an unknown number of animals have also been tragically affected by this event. The situation is still ongoing and expected winds during lunchtime are causing fear to the authorities who are desperately trying to control the fires.

UPDATE:15th July 2021

My name is Phoebe Coles and as manager of this gofundme fundraiser page, I am personally withdrawing and handling the funds raised and thus I am responsible for transferring the finances to the beneficiaries. 

Our plan to deliver funds- We have attempted direct communication with the local councils affected by the fires. 2 councils (Sikopetra and Pareklisia) have informed us that they do not need financial assistance as they were not really affected by the fire, despite media reports, other councils have not responded. However, three councils badly affected have been in constant communication with us requesting direct assistance: Ora, Odou, and Ayioi Vavatsinias. 

We have been directly asked to not send the funds to the general Cyprus Government online fundraiser as the councils have concerns regarding when or if they will receive real, substantial help as the Government have not responded to some of the councils questions thus far. My co-organisers for this page Thelma and Vasilis, will be sending cheques directly in person to the following:

1. Ora Local Council Bank Acc. Info: IBAN: CY33 0050 0348 0003 4801 G471 9501
2. Odou Youth Centre Bank Account Info: IBAN: CY33 0050 0171 0001 7110 G466 2301
3. Ayioi Vavatsinias: Cash in person to the council is requested

Receipts and photo evidence will be provided.  

We have raised a total of: £8,414. After tax the total raised is: £8,105.11 (this equates to approximately 9,516 EUR). We plan to distribute the equivalent of 3,000 EUR each to the three councils. For the money we have left, we plan to donate to Mr Panayiotis Pavlou to help rebuild his Farm in the village Eptagonia lost in Cyprus fires. For more information about his fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-panayiotis-pavlou-rebuild-his-farms?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

FYI REMINDER: We are completely transparent about where the money is going. We will be providing evidence of all of the donation transfers to the councils affected on this page. This will be evidenced via receipts. We will also be in communication with these councils after donation to keep you all updated on what the money is specifically being spent on for the rebuilding of the local communities. 

UPDATE: 18th August 2021

We are happy to announce that the Ora Local Council, Odou Youth Centre, and the Ayioi Vavtsinias Local Councils have received cheques 3,000 EUR each. 

Evidence: 
1.  Team members Vasilis and Thelma, pictured handing over a cheque worth 3,000 EUROS with the local Ora Council President:
Aristos Miltiadous

2. Team members Vasilis and Thelma, pictured handing over a cheque worth 3,000 EUROS with the local Ayioi Vavatsinias Council President: Antonis Pantelides


3. Team members Vasilis and Thelma, pictured handing over a cheque worth 3,000 EUROS with the local Odou Youth Centre President:
Antonis Korniotis


Additionally, after tax and transfer fees we had 239 GBP remaining which we donated to Mr Panayiotis Pavlou to help rebuild his Farm in the village Eptagonia lost in Cyprus fires. For more information about his fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-panayiotis-pavlou-rebuild-his-farms?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

For more information please contact:

Vasilis Frantzis:

Facebook: Vasilis Frantzis

Instagram: @vasfrantzis

Thelma Poupazi:

Facebook: Thelma Poupazi

Instagram: @thepoupazi


Phoebe Coles:

Email: [email redacted].uk