Who we are
The Alkionides or Halcyon days are the calm, sunny spells in the depths of winter that the Greek Gods offered to kingfishers so that they could hatch their eggs in safety.
True to this Greek myth that inspired our name, we aspire to brighten the lives of families during their darkest days.
Our goal is to offer relief to those in the grip of hardship, extending a hand of help and sending a message of hope that they are not alone.
Founded in 1998, Alkionides Charity (registration number 1970) relies exclusively on dedicated volunteers, keeping operational costs minimal and ensuring resources go where they are needed most.
The initial motivation was Stefania, a little girl with congenital heart disease. The afternoon tea held in her name to raise funds for her surgery was the spark that led to the establishment of Alkionides Charity. This grew quickly to cover other cities in Cyprus and expanded to the United Kingdom where it operates in London, Reading and Birmingham.
Alkionides Committee
| President: | Eva Pantzari |
| Vice president: | Koula Zambela-Loizou |
| Secretary: | Sylvia Solomonidou |
| Treasurer: | Eleni Pasiali |
| Assistant Treasurer: | Demetra Mesariti-Saad |
| Members (in alphabetical order) | |
| Anna Agroti | |
| Christiana Sideri | |
Dina Pampali | |
| Elpida Polydorou | |
| Mara Theodoulou | |
| Maria Charalambous | |
| Maria Hadjioannou | |
| Melina Shukuroglou | |
| Nasia Assiotou | |
| Skevi Mantegna | |
| Skevi Pengerou | |
| Yianna Drakopoulou-Kellas |
Our Mission
As genuine Halcyons, our mission is to lighten the many problems besetting families and individuals by contributing to their medical expenses and other daily needs such as food and utility bills and education fees.
Our income mainly comes from fundraisers held throughout the year, the sale of jewellery and handicrafts, membership subscriptions and donations by individuals, companies and other organisations.
We offer financial support for the following:
- Transport and medical treatment abroad (mainly for children)
- Support to individuals and families in need (food coupons, other living expenses)
- Support to low-income students to complete their studies
All our activities are characterised by the persistence generated by our love for our fellow human beings and the friendship and mutual understanding that has developed between us in the context of our dedication to the goals of Alkionides.
All the funds we obtain from our activities are transparent and properly audited by an Audit firm (currently PwC).
“The Nest” in UK
A key landmark for Alkionides was the creation in March 2010 of the "Nest" in Central London which offers free accommodation to low-income individuals undergoing medical treatment. The "Nest" was set up together with Alkionides UK which, since 2016, is responsible for its financial support.
