George Kapnias is the first
Australian-born Greek to be elected as President of the Greek Orthodox
Community of Box Hill and Districts (GOCBHD)
PENNI PAPPAS
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| George Kapnias |
George Kapnias is the first Australian-born
Greek to be elected as President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Box Hill
and Districts (GOCBHD) in its 45 year history. Mr Kapnias has been involved in
the community for the last five years and was elected president in the last
election.
"It's an honour and a privilege to
represent such a good benevolent organisation," he told Neos Kosmos.
"The Box Hill community has a long history
of philanthropy, they donate thousands of dollars every year to other
organisations, the community is tight-knit and is predominately first
generation Greeks, and I think their mission is one that needs to be supported
and recognised."
The GOCBHD has made donations in excess of
$100,000 towards organisations such as the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal, the
Queensland Flood Victims Appeal, the Box Hill, Royal Children's and Peter
McCallum Hospitals, The Heart Foundation and many more. The Community also
sponsors children in Africa via its ongoing annual contribution to World
Vision.
"It is so rewarding to be involved in an
organisation that is so giving and is true to the spirit of community,"
says Mr Kapnias.
Born in Balwyn, Mr Kapnias has spent his whole
life living in the area and knows too well the needs of the community.
"As the first generation Greek migrant
population begins to age, it is incumbent upon my generation to take on the
responsibilities of operating the Community. We have such a rich inheritance - culture,
traditions, language and religion - and are blessed for the fact that we are
able to express our heritage in open and democratic Australia."
The redevelopment of the community's facility
is his first task at hand as president, ensuring GOCBHD provides the services
that are needed by their community. He says building a new classroom for the
community language school - that they provide for free from prep to year 10 -
is one of their top priorities, as is ensuring they have the facilities for
their elderly citizens group. The GOCBHD has one of the largest and most active
elderly citizens group, that meets three times a week, so he says it's
important to nurture and give the ageing population an outlet to meet.
πηγή: neoskosmos.com
