Caritas Syros
Caritas Syros started operating in 1981 and continues its work, uninterruptedly, thanks to the help of its volunteers and donors.
Its actions include:
-Collection and distribution of clothing, food, furniture and household equipment. More than 2,500 people benefit annually.
-Provision of hospital beds, wheelchairs, hospitality to patient attendants from other islands, etc.
-Payment of medicines to 120 beneficiaries
-Monthly food distribution to about 70 families
-Financial support to institutions, organizations and vulnerable individuals, such as: patients, or people facing financial problems (payment of electricity or water bills), Caritas Athens Refugee Program, the inmates of Chios prisons, people affected by natural disasters etc.
The local Orthodox Church and state bodies contribute to the fulfillment of this mission, as well as the organization of bazaars, individual financial donations and the collection of rents.
RETIREMENT HOME “VIRGIN MARY OF HOPE”
The retirement home “Virgin Mary of Hope” of the Sisters of Mercy has been operating since 1977 in Ano Syros accommodating 24 senior citizens.
The Sisters of Mercy came to Greece for the first time in 1841 and settled in Santorini. They have remained there for 116 years until 1957 offering their service to the poor of the island in various ways.
They settled in Ermoupoli, Syros in 1884. In the beginning of the 20th century they started the construction of the foundation which has operated as a school, orphanage, boarding school and French School under the name “Saint Vincent” until 1974. In 1975, construction works began for the conversion of the building into a retirement home.