IYC supports HOPEgenesis at Mediterranean Yacht Show 2019
IYC has long been a supporter of a large number of philanthropic efforts around the globe, particularly causes and charities related to the ocean and in the key areas that the company operates in. This includes the HOPEgenesis Foundation, a non-profit organization (NPO) based in Greece, which provides assistance for Greek women in remote communities and supports them in pregnancy in order to work towards reversing the population decline throughout many areas of the country.
IYC is proud to be supporting HOPEgenesis at the Mediterranean Yacht Show, held in Napflion, Greece from 4 to 8 May 2019, with a strong presence promoting the NPO, including a special I AM HOPE event in support of the initiative. IYC is pleased to be contributing to the support of HOPEgenesis and to help raise awareness amongst show attendees.
Throughout the Show the IYC fleet all showed their support for HOPEgenesis through several different measures including flying HOPEgenesis flags and playing a video during show hours and special events. IYC team members and all IYC yacht crew were also wearing I AM HOPE pins and information and flyers on the organizations were available on board all IYC yachts.
All of these efforts of support culminated in the I AM HOPE evening event, held on board 147’8’’ (45m) M/Y Ipanemas on 6 May. Distinguished guests gathered in the beautiful environment of the yacht to learn more about the organization and the positive impact of its work. Noted Greek brand strategist Peter Economides, who has helped mentor the board of HOPEgenesis NPO and represented HOPEgenesis at the event, gave a short speech about the organization’s valuable work. Several members of the NPO were also in attendance.
Peter Economides is a well-known and respected global figure and a highly experienced global brand, marketing and communications specialist. Having worked as a voluntary Chair of leading global charity Make-A-Wish, he has lent his time and expertise to HOPEgenesis since its foundation, with the NPO benefitting hugely from his involvement and knowledge. It is an honor to have him talk at this special event.
Founded by Dr. Stefanos Chandakas, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, HOPEgenesis undertakes valuable work that allows underprivileged women living in remote areas of the country to receive the support of the Foundation’s medical units, with proper support throughout and after their pregnancies. With many women in the programme living on remote and low-population islands, much of this work is undertaken by boat, with women in the programme travelling by sea to Athens for treatment and support from the HOPEgenesis staff. IYC has a particular affinity with the boat-based aspect of the Foundation, understanding the importance of boat access to these remoter destinations.
Dr Chandakas was moved to start the HOPEgenesis Foundation after visiting many remote islands around Greece and seeing for himself the lowering birth rates, with many women afraid to become pregnant due to a lack of support and available health care. It quickly became clear that many women would reconsider this choice with the right psychological and economic support, which the Foundation now aims to provide. “We firmly believe that motherhood is a right, not a privilege,” he says. Operating throughout Greece in 354 areas, 317 villages and 37 islands, the Foundation is seeing noted success with 90 babies already born under the HOPEgenesis programme and 75 more expected in the coming months.
To learn more about the I AM HOPE event at the Mediterranean Yacht Show contact your IYC broker or the IYC office nearest to you.
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