For

Immediate Release

Contact:
Voula McLaughlin


647-229-3993


mvmclaughlin@rogers.com

2nd Annual Reaching For the Stars, an SOS

Childrens Villages Fundraiser

Fundraiser surpasses goal for much needed help in Greece

Toronto, ON, November 8, 2015 A fundraiser, that began as just a mere thought in December
2013, was held for its 2nd year on November 5th 2015 at the Grand Luxe.. The 2nd Annual
Reaching For the Stars, an SOS Childrens Villages Fundraiser goal was to raise $50,000CAD to
support two SOS Childrens Villages Greece families one in Vari the same one that was
adopted last year, and another SOS family in Plagiari, Thessaloniki.

As a generous incentive, The Hellenic Initiative announced they would offer a $50,000USD match
($65,000CAD) should the Reaching for the Stars goal be reached.

The Hellenic Initiatives role has been integral throughout as they were the organization that
introduced, cochair, Voula McLaughlin to SOS Childrens Villages Greece in December 2013.

CoChairs Voula McLaughlin, Anastasios Moussas and Manos Petrellis rallied to spread the word
and engage as many Greek diaspora as possible. The evenings events included an emotional
video of the SOS Children Villages families and Greek delegates, an enchanting performance by
Telly Savalas youngest daughter, cabaret singer Ariana Savalas. Joining the evenings speakers
was special guest, most decorated weightlifter in history and SOS Childrens Villages Greece
ambassador (since 1992) Pyrros Dimas, who also presented medals to the evenings largest
contributors. Also present were The Hellenic Initiatives, James Canale, SOS Childrens Villages
Greece National Director, George Protopapas and SOS Childrens Villages Canada President, Boyd
McBride.

The end of the evening revealed what the fundraising campaign achieved:
$79,000 CAD
+ THIs $50,000USD ($65,000CAD)
Total of $144,000CAD

As we were heading into the final stretch this year, I began to see this effort taking a life of its
own. How did we get from nothing in 2013, to $25,000 in 2014 and now - $144,000CAD? I cant
tell you what a blessing it is to see the generosity of so many people, many who are not Greek as
well. Though the effort starts with us, the Greek diaspora, this is not a Greek crisis its a human
crisis said Voula McLaughlin, cochair and SOS Childrens Villages Ambassador (volunteer).


The initial $50,000 that was raised here in Toronto will go to support the 2 SOS families in Vari
and Plagiari, Thessaloniki, Greece for all their needs medical, food, therapies, etc. The THI
match will go to the food aid of the other 24 SOS families as well as the ELIZA centre for abused
babies and infants. CoChair, Voula McLaughlin, will update donors and supporters on how the
additional money raised will be used. The National Director of SOS Children's Villages Greece
will be in touch with the organizing committee very soon to inform them of what is most needed.