The wish that the example of the two award-winning organisations would find other imitators was expressed by AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou at the event for the presentation of the Costas Partassides-Vassos Papadopoulos Award of Merit, where the "Yellow Helpline and Solidarity" and the Limassol branch of the Cyprus Photographic Society were awarded.
The common denominator for both organizations is the love for Limassol, but above all for our fellow man. We honour them for their action and their work, but first and foremost we honour them for their goals and mission, said Mr Stefanou at the award event organised by AKEL Limassol.
Referring to the "Yellow Line of Help and Solidarity", he said that it embraced our fellow human beings in difficult circumstances, when the relief of vulnerable groups was not just support, but oxygen for a large group of our fellow human beings.
The results of the action of the "Yellow Line" are not only expressed in the number of thousands of support packages it prepares and delivers. It is also expressed in its humanitarian initiatives. At a time when the preachers of racism and intolerance are trying to single out, demonise and target people, the "Yellow Line" by the example of its action chooses to unite them, he said.
Initiatives such as that of "integration through sport", which gave hundreds of young refugees the opportunity to train in AEL's academies, is a right prime example of the philosophy behind the organisation he said.
Special congratulations are due to the initiator and creator of the "Yellow Line" Andreas Sofokleous as well as to Kostas Vichas who remains consistent, steady and always humble in the service of supporting people in need, he said.
For the Cyprus Photographic Society (Limassol Section), he said that since 1984 it has been recording an enviable presence with continuous actions and interventions in Limassol, Cyprus and abroad.
Its imprint in every social activity of the city, as well as in actions to promote the history and cultural heritage of the city and the district of Limassol, is clearly visible. At the same time, the Cyprus Photographic Society develops a remarkable cultural, environmental and charitable activity for the benefit of the local and not only society, he continued.
Through its activity, the Society makes the art of photography more accessible to many of our fellow citizens who find the opportunity to show and develop their talent and discover new horizons of knowledge and creative activity, he said.
He wished as your example to find other imitators adding that first of all, of course, I hope and hope that the new government will put an end to the social callousness observed in recent years and the logic of substitution of the role of the state by non-governmental and voluntary organizations.
Meaningful support and warmth must be provided first and foremost by the state, which must implement meaningful and comprehensive welfare policies and not cover its weaknesses under the selfless and rich activity of NGOs, he concluded.
Source: CNA
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