Charity cases double and triple in Limassol

THE NUMBER of breakfasts given out by the Limassol Bishopric to needy schoolchildren has tripled compared to this time last year, and the number of meals given to the poor has doubled according to the Bishop of Limassol, Athanasios.
“The number of breakfasts  being given to needy pupils this time last year was 480 but that number has increased to 1,312,” he said. “If you calculate the number of breakfasts given out by other parishes [in the Limassol district] that number reaches 1,450 a day,” he added.
He said the number of meals being given to needy members of the public had doubled from 300 this time last year to 600 this year. And, that doesn’t include the 200-300 people who also receive clothing, food packages and money according to the Bishop.
The Limassol Bishop was speaking at the launch of a series of charity events being organised by the Limassol branch of primary school teachers’ union POED and the Parents and Guardian’s association for elementary schools in the district.
 “I hope the people will see this all of this in a positive light during these difficult times because we have passed more difficult periods before,” he said. “We shouldn’t become pessimists as together we can face these difficulties with the help of God,” he added.
The new fundraisers will begin on Sunday with a blood donation taking place in the courtyard of the Church of Ayios Georgiou Havouzas after mass and will continue the following Sunday at 11am with a football match between teachers and parents at the Ayios Athanasios football pitch. On Saturday and Sunday, January 26 and 27, two plays will take place at the KZ Primary School. For both the plays and the football match there will be a €5 entrance charge.