In a meaningful initiative with a strong social and inclusive impact, the City of Athens has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the city’s most vulnerable groups. On Friday, April 3, at the City of Athens Multipurpose Homeless Shelter, 450 free meals were distributed to beneficiaries as part of Novibet’s “Giant Heart” corporate social responsibility program.
Present at the event, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas highlighted the importance of solidarity as the foundation of an inclusive society. With a steadfast focus on social cohesion and the well-being of all citizens, the Municipality demonstrates that inclusion is not merely a concept, but a daily practice.
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated: “At our Municipality’s Multifunctional Homeless Shelter, we provide daily shelter, facilities for personal hygiene, food, safety, and a place to sleep for approximately 200 of our fellow citizens who are experiencing homelessness. A few days before Easter, we offered them a full meal, sending a meaningful message of solidarity. I want to thank everyone who contributed to the organization and implementation of this initiative. When we stand together, we can make a difference.”
This initiative highlights the role of local government as a pillar of social care and equality. Through such actions, the concept of dignity for every person, regardless of circumstances, is reinforced, while a model of a city that leaves no one behind is promoted.
For her part, Mina Fountzoula, Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity and Urban Wildlife & Animal Welfare, emphasized the importance of collective effort: “Despite the times and difficult circumstances, we continue to make every effort to help our fellow citizens living in shelters and on the streets. We are joining forces for the common good.”
Novibet’s contribution was also pivotal; through its “Giant Heart” program, the company mobilized more than 50 of its employees. Under the guidance of Chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos, “Meals That Make a Difference” were prepared and packaged, demonstrating the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The meals were transported with the assistance of Deipnosophisterion, ensuring their immediate and dignified distribution to the beneficiaries.
This initiative deserves to be highlighted as a powerful example of modern, inclusive governance, where social policy is directly linked to human dignity. Through such actions, Mayor Haris Doukas affirms that a city can only be truly sustainable when it is also deeply human—when it embraces all its citizens without discrimination.
