Page 76 - Annual Magazine 2018

CHARITY | A SENSE OF PURPOSE

‘For the Love of Life’ Unfortunately, the situation in Cyprus leaves a lot to be desired,

for as all other European citizens reap the benefits of having a
foundation national health system in their country, Cyprus does not currently
have a National Health System in place. Thus, such systems
are able to provide the population with the screening programs
offered at our Center.
National screening programs are non-targeted tests and rely
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." on screening the whole (asymptomatic) population. It is of
Winston Churchill paramount importance therefore, that such programs are offered
for free so as to maximize coverage.”

Are there limitations in Cyprus regarding the provision of
Story by Eleni Hoplaros optimum support and counselling services to families with
children afflicted with some form of mental disorder?
“Basic care and rehabilitation for people with special needs have
been provided for by the Theotokos Foundation since 1969 in the
form of day care and boarding.

Today, the foundation continues to provide shelter, day care,
integrated housing units and special preschool education amongst
counselling and support to the family. It goes without saying that
CENTER FOR PREVENTIVE PAEDIATRICS improvements can and always should be made to provide the best
In 2017, Aphrodite Hills, through the Foundation, decided to care.”
lend its support to the Limassol based Center for Preventive
A
Paediatrics (CPP), a not for profit organization implementing What immediate challenges does your Center face that need to
ethnic prenatal and neonatal (screening for metabolic disorders be addressed for its overall objectives to be properly met?
and hearing loss) screening programs to the entire island of “It seems that more solid awareness campaigns aimed at the
Cyprus. general public, for the provision of their monetary support, are
required so as to guarantee the security of the well-established
The Center has contributed to the prevention of many new cases national screening programs and face the challenges of expanding
of intellectual disability and has been a pioneer in the application our screening platform.”
of universal prenatal and neonatal screening programs. All
programs are offered free of charge to the whole population of One would be hard-pressed to not admire and respect the continual
Cyprus. efforts and determination of the Center in their endeavour to
provide the entire Cypriot community with essential prenatal
Renowned paediatrician Dr Argyris Argyriou has been the and neonatal services, as well those services pertaining to mental
Chairman of the Center since 2006. health care.

We spoke with Dr Argyriou to learn more about the Center’s The Foundation’s aspirations of helping children and their families are
immediate needs and its continued efforts towards establishing aligned with the Center’s objectives and we look forward to providing
medical programs for future generations. our assistance in raising the much-needed funds the Center requires to
continue to do the amazing work that they do.
What are the current more pressing needs of the Center in terms of
diagnostic facilities and essential laboratory equipment?
“A large proportion of the Center’s annual budget, estimated at Dr Argyris Argyriou
€640,000, is spent on the purchase of diagnostic reagents used
A private initiative charity, ‘For the Love of Life’ Foundation was IMPLEMENTATION for our Prenatal and Neonatal Screening Programs.
created by Aphrodite Hills Hotel by Atlantica Hotels and Resort to Aphrodite Hill’s decision to create an autonomous, non-
provide economic and material assistance to people in need in Cyprus, profit charitable foundation was based on the belief that it Moreover, the renewal of equipment is always an ongoing
so as to alleviate poverty and suffering, focusing on quality of life. would eventually have a significant impact on society through necessity in any laboratory/institution so as to provide a service
continuous social and cultural activities that support the common of the highest quality to its population.”
THE VISION good with targeted actions.This belief stems from the continuous
The fundamental basis of establishing the Foundation was to exercise of human values and is based on charitable offerings of To what extent does the Center rely on government grants and
help the less fortunate members of the local community, placing the founding members of the Foundation. Through a variety of what would the effect be should such grants come to an end?
them at the centre of the organisation’s mission. This is evident in social and cultural activities, the Resort has been able to raise “Approximately half of the Center’s budget is covered by a
the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives, which place the needs and provide much needed charitable and financial support to the government grant. Great effort is placed into raising the other
of the suffering at the forefront, offering support and providing Foundation, thereby providing the means for donations to be half through fund raising events hosted by the Friends of the
much needed emotional strength and respect. made to non-profit organizations. Center for Preventive Paediatrics and other private donors.

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Aphrodite Hills Resort “European Golf Resort of the Year 2018”