Christmas spirit: thousands of donations for those in need

Marking the true spirit of Christmas, individuals and organisations across Cyprus have given donations to those less fortunate ahead of the holiday period.

Shying away from the limelight, many chose to give generously and anonymously, with one Athienou donor giving ‎€2000 worth of food vouchers. The individual has been doing the same thing for years.

Another person donated 100kg of meat, while scores of citizens wired money to their local authority’s social welfare funds, used to help vulnerable groups.

“Christmas comes around every year to remind us of the obvious, the things we easily forget about, or ignore as we scurry around our daily life,” said Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos.

“To offer support both emotional and material to those who need it. To give generously without wanting something back, to overcome our ego for our fellow citizens in need.”

Municipalities all over Cyprus were organising musical events to try and bring festive cheer, as the cost of living crisis and ongoing wars have cast a shadow over many people’s celebrations.

In Larnaca, the municipality handed over games to primary school students and young children currently being treated in the hospital’s paediatric ward.

Thanking donors for their help and support, the local authority said it was indicative of “the selfless love we have for others.”

Pantziarou Dairies donated 100kg of halloumi and cheese, while the national volunteerism body collected large quantities of flour, milk, juices and teddy bears.

In Kaimakli, the Ekysy local organisation shared packages with ‘basic items’ to over 70 families. A Christmas event was held at the Folk Art Museum last Sunday, attracting young and old, while the Christmas tree that was donated by the forestry department gathered a collection of games, clothes and food, to support pre-school children in the community.