Thanks to funds raised during last year’s End of Year Appeal by The Hellenic Initiative (THI), thousands of Greeks – particularly seniors – gained access to vital medicines in 2025 through the nonprofit GIVMED. A recent THI-supported program exceeded expectations, distributing 10,381 boxes of medicine and healthcare products worth over $100,000 to 23 nonprofit organizations, directly assisting more than 1,000 elderly people across Greece.

Through givmed.org, users can easily locate local donation points and organizations in need. To date, GIVMED has redistributed over 1.3 million medicines and health products, valued at €12.7 million, in partnership with 233 community organizations and thousands of donors. In Greece, over 40 million boxes of medicine go unused and are discarded annually, generating waste valued at €1 billion according to the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 seniors struggles to afford healthcare, often forgoing essential treatments due to cost.

GIVMED’s Director, Ioanna Dimitrakopoulou Koutava, highlighted the impact of the partnership:

“The support of The Hellenic Initiative has been truly invaluable. Thanks to THI, more than 6,000 medicines and health products reached 1,075 elderly people across Greece – ensuring that seniors can continue their treatments and cover essential health needs.”

Founded in 2012, THI is the only global nonprofit uniting Greeks worldwide through philanthropy and investments in the future of Greece. Since its inception, THI has raised over $38 million, becoming the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world. More information is available at thehellenicinitiative.org.

George P. Stamas, President of THI’s Board, emphasized the mission:

“Access to medicine shouldn’t be a privilege – it’s a right. With GIVMED, we’re turning that belief into action.”

Andrew L. Liveris, Chairman of THI’s Board, added:

“What GIVMED has built is more than a solution – it’s a model of smart, scalable impact. It proves that when innovation meets compassion, real change follows.”