It my great pleasure to announce the Gamelion 2014 nominees for Pandora's Kharis charity of the month are in! I'm posting this here as well, because, of course, we would like everyone in the Hellenic community to go and vote, and then proceed to donate to the winning cause.


Desmos
Desmos is a Greek Non-profit Foundation that was established by a team of young, dynamic individuals sharing a common vision to responsibly and effectively address the imminent social and humanitarian crisis through collaboration and the involvement of the private sector. Desmos utilizes surplus products and services to meet the basic needs of vulnerable groups and individuals. With one phonecall or an email to Desmos, you can communicate your offer or your need, and enter into a dynamic network!

"I wondered about the situation in Greece which is so bad and want to help..."
 
 
Chicago Coalition For The Homeless
Since 1980, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) has followed a clear mission: to organize and advocate to prevent and end homelessness, because they believe housing is a human right in a just society. They are the only non-profit in Illinois dedicated to advocating for public policies that curb and can ultimately end homelessness. The organization leads strategic campaigns, community outreach, and public policy initiatives that target the lack of affordable housing in metropolitan Chicago and across Illinois. In addition, CCH presses for access to jobs, training, and public schools. Community organizers, policy specialists, and public interest attorneys advocate with people hurt by homelessness, including mothers with children, unaccompanied youth, ex-offenders, prostitution survivors, and low-wage workers.

"It being so cold here in the states, I think it's important to support efforts to aid the homeless. I'd like to pitch support to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. They are a top-rated non-profit and have 4 stars (highest rating) from Charity Navigator."


International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

"They're well-established (81 years this year) and use >90% of funds for the people they serve. They focus on some of the biggest humanitarian crises around the world, particularly refugee resettlement."


Educate Girls Globally

Educate Girls Globally exists to provide opportunities for women and girls to achieve their full potential, recognizing that educated women are the world’s most powerful agents of social change. As a result of their education, the world becomes a safer, healthier, and more just place.

"I have come to believe that one of the root causes for MANY of the problems in the world is the oppression of women. Knowledge is power, so I would like to see our donations go to Educate Girls Globally, which focuses on bringing basic education to girls in places where it's not at all common to do so."


Do you have a favourite out of these four? Vote for your favourite in our poll. If you would like to donate to any of these, or have other causes to pitch for next month? Come join us as well! We will announce this month's winner on January 22, 2014.