On July 23^rd 2018, a forest wildfire spread quickly, destroying areas within Rafina, Neos Voutzas and Mati, burning over 5,000,000 sq. meters and leaving behind 102 casualties. Through our constant presence we covered immediate and urgent needs, and subsequently, aiming at making optimal use of the donations received, Desmos has undertaken the task of renovating children’s playgrounds and public sports grounds destroyed by the devastating wildfire, or rendered unsafe for public use. The key objective of the project is to address vital needs of the afflicted areas, regenerating public spaces thereby encouraging and fostering social interaction and exchange.

Together with the European Investment Bank Desmos has so far reconstructed 2 children’s playgrounds, one at the intersection of Chrisostomou Smyrnis and Nymfon Street in Neos Voutzas, the other at 35, Perikleous Street in Mati. The respective playgrounds are among the first in the Municipality of Marathon fully compliant with EU safety and quality standards, featuring equipment accessible to children of all ages, including children with special needs, a 5 year-warranty, safety tiles, solar panel lighting, drinking water and benches. Planting of trees will be completed by the end of June, – weather permitting-  when a volunteer effort hoping to improve the aesthetics of the area will also take place. Aiming at delivering mult purpose functional spaces, , whilst at the same time making optimal use of the donations collected from individual donors, Desmos is also planning to reconstruct the adjacent basketball court in the children’s playing ground at Neos Voutzas.

Co-operating with local organizations, associations, and resident grassroot committees  on a regular and systematic basis, Desmos aims to deliver infrastructure projects of the highest quality for social welfare purposes, to the areas afflicted from the horrendous wildfires. IAt the final stage of the project, Desmos will also undertaket he renovation of  the facilities of N.A.O.MA (Mati Nautical Sports Club) located on 33 Poseidonos Avenue in Mati.  The project involves fully reconstructing sports facilities (basketball and beach volleyball courts), a children’s playground, lighting and other equipment which will make the center fully functional and a key meeting point for local residents and visitors to the area.

Desmos’s team wishes to express its’ deepest gratitude to all donors and parties involved, for their unconditional support while carrying out the project, and for their commitment and trust in our overall cause and mission:  to maximize positive impact through our operations.