The Grace Foundation pledges €600,000 to ELEPAP – Rehabilitation for the disabled

February 16, 2016

The charitable foundation of the Grace Hotels group has announced its support for ELEPAP – Rehabilitation for The Disabled, a rehabilitation centre with six branches throughout Greece that supports the development of children with physical disabilities and developmental difficulties and at the same time provides support to their families.

The Grace Foundation which has always had close ties with Greece is keen to support the country amid its sustained economic and social crisis. The foundation has committed to regular contributions to the centre’s charity, International Friends of ELEPAP, amounting to €600,000 over the coming years.

ELEPAP offers a series of holistic intervention programs for infants, pre-school and school-age children. Particular emphasis is placed on early diagnosis of childhood disability and developmental problems as well as early intervention for children belonging to at-risk groups.

Commenting on the pledge, Jimmy Athanasopoulos, Head of Social Responsibility for Grace Hotels’ parent company, the Libra Group, stated: “ELEPAP has been making a difference to children and their families for nearly eight decades. It is an immensely worthy cause and we particularly admire their innovative, multi-disciplinary approach which combines individual sessions and group activities, with entertainment and game play forming an integral part of the therapy. We are proud to be helping them carry on their wonderful work that has already transformed so many lives.”

Since its establishment 77 years ago, ELEPAP has helped more than 100,000 children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, orthopaedic and neurological diseases, supporting them to adult life. More than 1,500 children participate in daily therapeutic, counselling and educational programmes across Greece. The centre takes the view that early intervention builds on the adaptability of early childhood, thereby ensuring the best developmental outcomes. A key factor in the approach is the strong bond of trust and cooperation between family members and the scientific teams.

The Grace Foundation undertakes many charitable initiatives including the ‘Give with Grace’ programme under which all Grace Hotels donate $1 (or the local currency equivalent) for every night that a room is occupied. Guests are invited to donate the same amount for every night they stay and the combined funds are donated to charity. The foundation also raises further sums each year through the donation of hotel room nights for numerous charities and worthy causes.

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