Funds appeal for disabled children

By Maria Gregoriou

THE AYIOS GEORGIOS and Christaki Kasabi foundation for children with disabilities in Larnaca appealed to the public for financial help on Wednesday  saying the foundation may be forced to close due to a lack of funding.

The chairman of the parent’s association of the foundation, Michael Mallas said “the foundation is sending out an SOS to the people of Larnaca and Cyprus. We are appealing for financial aid from orgnaised groups, the state, the church and businesses which have not been affected by the crisis.”

Government funds have been decreased while financial aid from the radio marathon foundation and an institution in Limassol has also been cut..

“Our income has been reduced by around €80,000 a year and we cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The foundation has sent letters to organised groups in Larnaca asking for help but it has yet to receive any responses.

Mallas said a recent meeting with Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou provided little hope for future funding.

“We were told that because of the economic crisis we should make cuts in various areas so that we can continue to provide the children with the care they need,” Mallas said.

The bus service taking the children to and from the foundation has been already been terminated.

“The driver and another person we hired to look after the children on the bus have already been fired. Now we are looking into firing two other members of staff,” Mallas said.

“I also had a meeting with Larnaca mayor Andreas Louroutziatis who promised he would support us, without giving any commitments,” Mallas said.

The foundation has 21 registered students, ten of which stay over night.

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