Axion Hellas: When volunteering defeats powerful winds / KATHIMERINI

It was, indeed, a little feat. A few days ago, the 7th Crossing of Axion Hellas was completed with the inflatable boats, although the weather not only did not make the fortune to dozens of volunteers but caused many problems.

Of course, as far as the beaufort were strong, the will was so inflamed, and so the mission approached all the islands it had planned. On the morning of Friday, April 5, Anavyssos left thirteen inflatables with volunteers of many professional specialties for Astypalea, Tilos, Halki and Kastellorizo.

The crossing was completed one week later with all participants having given their best. More than 145 people traveled by boat and airplanes took part in the mission to offer in every way the voluntary action of Axion Hellas. The main objective of the charitable organization that operates in complete transparency and with exclusive financial support from its members is to be close to the needs of the inhabitants of the peripheral islands and mountain communities.

A small account of the week in the Dodecanese is informative about the services provided by volunteers. Within a few days, 2,500 medical examinations were conducted on 665 residents of the islands visited by Axion Hellas from 50 doctors of 23 specialties along with 3 dentists and 10 nurses. All of them abandoned their doctors and their posts to take part in this journey. Besides high-quality medical services, parents and children had the opportunity to attend dozens of events and seminars from the group of educational and cultural activities.

In co-operation with many and important institutions supporting the Organization, the educational process is designed to fit into the profile of these students, who often lack the stimulus of their peers in large urban centers.

Perhaps the most basic thing to do in any crossing is the permanent infrastructure that will stay on the islands, such as the construction or reconstruction of football fields, school buildings and even military outposts. The crossing was completed with a festive concert by Alk. Protopsalti in Kastellorizo. The singer also supports the action of this distinct organization.

MARGARITA POURNARA