The Lithuanian Embassy invites to donate to the greek non-profit organization “Symplefsi”
Marking an important date of modern Lithuanian history –the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence– the Lithuanian Embassy in Athens, Greece will hold a silent auction during the virtual event. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to “Symplefsi”, a non-profit organization that provides support to communities living on the most remote Greek islands.
According to Lithuanian ambassador to Greece Rolandas Kačinskas, the charity auction is a kind of gift from Lithuania to the Greek people.
“It's becoming increasingly common in today's society to share: the place we work, the car we drive every day, the impressions we experience. Therefore, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence, we also want to share the freedom we have won and our joy with other nations. The charity auction is a kind of gift from Lithuania to the Greek people”, ambassador Kačinskas said.
The “Symplefsi” organization is grateful to the Embassy of Lithuania in Greece for its generous offer to contribute to the project and says that Lithuania’s support to Greece expresses the feelings of mutual friendship between the two nations.
“One of life's greatest values is being able to help others. It undoubtedly embraces our lives and gives them value. We are grateful to the Lithuanian Embassy in Greece for the initiative shown in implementing this project. We are delighted that as you celebrate the anniversary that is important for Lithuania, you have decided to share your kindness with the Greek people as well. Lithuania's support for Greece reflects the warm contacts established between the two nations,” Dimitris Leontidis, member of the board of “Symplefsi” said.
“Symplefsi” contributes to improving living conditions in the islands furthest away from mainland Greece, which are facing severe resource shortages due to their geographical location. The organization pays particular attention to free specialized health services and assistance, infrastructure improvement and education.
The Lithuanian Embassy to Greece and the “Symplefsi” organization have already collected impressive gifts for a silent auction: an original BC Žalgiris Kaunas basketball jersey, signed by now former head-coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius; AEK Athens forward Jonas Mačiulis’ authentic jersey signed by all members of the AEK basketball team; Authentic jersey of Dimitris Diamantidis, former captain of Greek National Team; a museum quality reproduction of work of art “Lips” of famous Lithuanian artist Laisvydė Šalčiūtė from the collection of the MO Museum of Modern Art in Vilnius; a hot air balloon ride over Vilnius or Trakai castle; a high-quality aerial photo book “Unseen Lithuania” by Marius Jovaiša; 2 Vilnius Passes, donated by the city development agency “Go Vilnius”, with which tourists will be able make the most of their trips and discover as much of the city as possible; three hand made figures of traditional shadow theatre “Karagiozis” made by the performer Michalis Theodoropoulos; dinner for four at the French bistro “Ciboulette” at Kolonaki in Athens; a sailing day at Saronic Bay with a 52ft sailing yacht; and other gifts.
Lithuania restored its independence on 11th of March 1990 when the new democratically elected parliament of Lithuania signed the Act of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania. The act emphasized restoration and legal continuity of the interwar-period Lithuania, which was annexed by the USSR and de facto lost independence in June 1940. Lithuania was the first from the captive nations to declare independence from the Soviet Union. After almost 50 years of oppression Lithuania returned to the map of Europe as a sovereign state.
