The plan was unveiled on Saturday in Thessaloniki at an event that was attended by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias. The Network itself was the idea of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece in collaboration with the local Chambers, Exporters Association and Commerce Association, and the initiatives and organizers have already signed memorandums of cooperation with 20 charity and other organizations while another 20 more are set to be signed.
Papoulias welcomed the "praiseworthy effort", which he noted is the first of its kind and Greece, and expressed hope that it would be copied by others.
Federation of Industries of Northern Greece president Nikos Pentzos called the Network a "humanitarian institution", noting that in 2010 his Federation had taken up an initiative to support the vulnerable population groups, having anticipated the hard times that were coming, while the joint agreement for the creation of the Network itself was signed last February. "We want to give back to society what it has been giving to us all these years," Pentzos said, adding that the Network provided assistance this past Christmas to more than 5,000 people.
Editor's Note - This is a wonderful initiative that should be copied by all Greek companies and organizations in the Diaspora as well. Anything that benefits and sponsors the weak and poor in Greece, which right now numbers in the millions, should be applauded. What would have been even greater, by these industrialists, would have been generating jobs for people. Charity indeed is necessary right now, because things are at a tragic stage, but one's self dignity is vital.