Maria Sakkaris was among the celebrities who donated money to “Paidiki Chara” to help a child battling cancer. Unfortunately, due to the unscrupulous individuals behind this particular NGO, the money never reached the child—who ultimately lost the battle—but ended up in the hands of people who lived lavishly at the expense of patients.
The top Greek female tennis player, ranked 30th in the world, said she was saddened but also outraged by this incident. However, she concludes by saying, “…let’s not let what happened stand in the way of our desire to give, and let’s continue to help with love and care.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In a statement posted as an Instagram Story, she says:
“There are certain situations that are truly hard to wrap your head around, especially when they involve children and families in need of help.
This particular case involving the so-called NGO has deeply hurt me, to the point where I find it hard to express both my sadness and my anger.
What saddens me most is the thought of the children who were waiting for a chance at a better life, for relief, for support. But also their parents, who, amid their anxiety and daily struggles, are looking for a helping hand, a glimmer of hope, someone who will understand and support them.
I cannot imagine how painful it is for a family to believe they are close to getting the help they need and then to be ultimately let down. Perhaps that is the hardest part of this story.
The dashed hopes and the exploitation of the trust of people in a vulnerable position. No child and no parent should ever have to go through something like this.
However, we must not allow such situations to deter us from continuing to give. Children who are truly in need still require our help.
Let’s not let what has happened stand in the way of our desire to give, and let’s continue to help with love and care.”
*photo source: AP
