Press Releases

The Commissioner for Volunteerism and Non-Governmental Organizations, Mr Yiannis Yiannaki, welcomes the awarding of the “Civil Solidarity Prize” by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) for the Initiative “Volunteers to support vulnerable groups during the pandemic”, as the best project from Cyprus.    

The Initiative was one of 23 laureates announced in a virtual award ceremony held on 15 February, honouring civil society organisations, individuals and private companies whose projects have excelled as examples of remarkable solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EESC awarded the initiative “for the dynamic mobilization of volunteers and their numerous actions, helping their fellow citizens to stay safe at home during the first months of the pandemic and while the country was under a total lockdown”.

The Initiative “Volunteers to support vulnerable groups during the pandemic” was specifically distinguished for the distribution of food supplies and medicines, and support to vulnerable groups, people who were in mandatory quarantine in hotels, and support with special medication by specialized volunteers for covid-19 cases.

During the total lockdown in April and May 2020, more than 8,000 actions were carried out, providing food and medical supplies, daily services and assistance to isolated individuals and families. 850 volunteers were activated and the effort was supported by Ministries, Non-Governmental Organizations, companies and enterprises, the Support CY Network and other bodies.

The Commissioner would like to express his personal satisfaction for the contribution of the hundreds of anonymous volunteers, who showed maturity and discipline in a very difficult action, highlighting the important role of volunteering in emergencies. This award is a continuation of the congratulatory letters from the United Nations and the European Commission, which confirm the important policies we have implemented in terms of upgrading volunteerism in our country, and creating a favourable environment for the strengthening of active citizenship.

(ΕΚ/SCH)