Along with Easter, Christmas is a central time in the Christian Year and as a Christian church, celebrating Christmas is deeply important for the Salvation Army. This year, to truly embody the unique meaning of Christmas and building on previous years’ positive work The Salvation Army in Greece presented various Embassies and a school in Athens with ‘Angel Trees’.
The ‘Angel Tree’ included cards with a child’s name whom we are aware of through our Corps Ministry. Staff at the Embassy or school can take a card and purchase a present for the child whose name is on the card. The Salvation Army Angel Tree Card initiative helped to provide gifts for children in our communities in Thessaloniki and Athens.
This is the Third year running we have held the Angel Tree card initiative: this year it has engaged four Embassies and now a school for the first time! Altogether we have been able to provide over one hundred gifts for children via the Angel tree initiative and wider funding.
This Christmas the initiative once again involved the British, Canadian, German and Swiss Embassies and also included Byron International School based in Gerakas, Athens. We were hugely encouraged by the response. The Salvation Army in Greece believes every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas. It is a small but significant way to model ‘love in action’ a key Salvation Army belief.
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Morgan, Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army, Italy & Greece Territory said:
“We are delighted that this Christmas the Angel Tree initiative is still capturing the imagination of the Embassy community in Athens. Furthermore, it is superb to hear that an International School has come on board. The generosity shown will touch the lives of many children this Christmas.”
Frank Werner, Head of the Economic Department of the German Embassy in Greece said:
“We are happy to be able to make a small difference in the lives of a few children. No child should be left without a present on Christmas. Thank you for the Christmas Angel Tree initiative! “
Ambassador Matthew Lodge, British Ambassador to Greece said:
“”British Embassy Athens is delighted to have supported the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree card initiative for a third Christmas running. The spirit of giving and receiving is an indispensable part of Christmas and this initiative has greatly enthused colleagues here, knowing that they will bring joy to so many children.”
Ambassador Karine Asselin, Ambassador of Canada to the Hellenic Republic said:
“Again this year the Embassy of Canada to Greece is pleased to participate in the Angel Tree card Initiative, spreading joy to less fortunate children during this holiday season.”
Ambassador Stefan Estermann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Greece said:
“We are glad to have the Angels Tree this year again at our Embassy and to be a part of this beautiful initiative. All children deserve happiness, love and attention. Merry Christmas!”
Rory Gallagher, Headteacher, Byron College said:
“At Byron College, we are always looking for ways to make a positive difference in our community. This Christmas, our staff were delighted to take part in the Angel Tree initiative, knowing that each gift would bring joy to a child. It’s a privilege to be part of such a wonderful effort, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share in the true spirit of the season.”
The Salvation Army in Greece considered it a joy to deliver the Angel Tree card initiative and bless so many children this year. We are grateful for the generous support of our partners.
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#Emmanuel – God is with us
To help resource the ongoing mission of The Salvation Army in Greece please go to this link – https://salvationarmy.gr/donate/
