“I saw the fires ravaging my entire life, my home, my business, my pride,” said Vangelis.
Vangelis owns a motorcycle repair and maintenance shop in Northern Evia, a part of Greece that was devastated by fires in summer 2021. While his home was somewhat damaged in the fires, Vangelis’s workshop was completely destroyed, leaving him and his son Pavlos with no way to earn a living.
As a first step toward getting back on his feet, Vangelis rented a new workspace for his shop. Through IOCC, and with support from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, he received a new mechanical lathe—a basic piece of equipment that he uses to make motorcycle accessories—and a diagnostic machine that works for various makes of motorcycles. Both machines are essential for Vangelis and Pavlos’s work.
“I am so grateful for IOCC standing by my family all these months in so many ways,” Vangelis told staff.
In addition to providing new equipment, IOCC’s fire response has also supplied monthly supermarket vouchers for his family since November 2021, allowing them to shop for what they need when they need it—especially important while Vangelis and Pavlos rebuild the business. Vangelis also received a voucher worth €1,000 to cover some costs of repairing his home, which was also damaged.
“I have already started crafting accessories for motorcycles with the machine IOCC donated,” said Pavlos. “As for the diagnostic tool, it gets me more clients from different parts of Northern Evia because it can scan so many brands of motorcycles. Thank you, IOCC, for allowing me to continue my father’s dream!”
This family’s story illustrates the holistic approach IOCC is taking to serving the people affected by the fires on Evia—among the worst in Greece’s history. IOCC is directly assisting over 1,200 people in Northern Evia, addressing both immediate and long-term needs as these communities rebuild with hope.
