Latsis Foundation

The John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation was established to continue the public service values of the late, John S. Latsis, who believed in using his family fortune to better the lives of all Greek citizens. Besides supporting scientific research, offering educational opportunities for students of all ages and protecting Greek cultural, the values he passed on to his family include helping those less fortunate by implementing new social welfare initiatives or assisting established programmes.

In an effort to honour those values and continue in their father’s wishes, the Supervisory Board of the Foundation, which is made up of Latsis family members Spiro Latsis, Henrietta Latsis, Marianna Latsis and Margarita Latsis decided to turn their attention to those affected by the ongoing financial crisis in Greece. The result was the development of a new initiative called the “It is Our Duty” Social Solidarity Program to provide relief to those hit hardest by the crisis. This programme is a collaboration of the Foundation with non-governmental organisations, local self-governmental agencies, public welfare foundations, local parishes and holy dioceses to offer social welfare services and healthcare to those most in need.

In April, 2012, the “It is Our Duty” Social Solidarity Programme began providing immediate relief to Greek citizens in the Attica and Thessaloniki regions. Through the Social Solidarity Programme, food aid was distributed by collaborating agencies including: Life Line Hellas, Elefsina Love Center, Municipality of Elesfina Social Service, Family and Child Care Center – KMOP, Anasa Zois Association, Church of Aghios Efthimois of the Holy Metropolis of Nikala, Church of Aghia Paraskeviof the Holy Metropolis of Megara and Salamis, Civil Protection Volunteer Organization, Social Policy Center of the Municipality of Kifissia, Social Service of the Municipality of Maroussi, Social Service of the Municipality of Iraklio, Holy Metropolis of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, Thessaloniki Peripheral Unit, and Municipality of Thessaloniki.

These relief efforts are part of a larger strategic plan by the Board of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation for the “It is Our Duty” Social Solidarity Programme. The goal of the Foundation is to continually add new activities to the Programme so that it can be an entity that evolves with the changing