A new chapter for the Hellenic Heritage Foundation

Message from the President of the HHF

Dear Members and Friends of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation,

It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into the role of President of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to Andy Seretis for his outstanding leadership and dedication over his tenure as President. His thoughtful stewardship helped guide the HHF through a period of meaningful growth and impact, including a significant donation for the Hellenic Home of the Aged and deepening our partnership with the University of Toronto through multiple investments.

Since its founding in 1996, HHF has been a pillar in preserving, promoting, and advancing Hellenic education, culture, and heritage across Canada. Some of our current HHF members were the original recipients of our Greek school text book grants. Our vision is to continue this tradition and allow their children to grow up with the same opportunities to connect with their heritage. This is a small example that echoes that the mission of the HHF remains as vital today as it was three decades ago, and I am honoured to continue building on the incredible work of all of those individuals.

Our Foundation has achieved remarkable milestones, raising over $20 million to support educational programs, cultural initiatives, and community projects. From establishing the Hellenic Studies Program Endowment at the University of Toronto, the HHF Greek Canadian Archives and the HHF Chair in Modern Greek History at York University, to helping reopen Toronto post COVID by bringing the priceless Kore to the ROM, we have ensured that our language, traditions, and stories are celebrated and safeguarded for generations to come. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our members, donors, volunteers, and partners.

As we look ahead, my vision is to strengthen our impact by establishing additional foundational components to support the next 30 years of the HHF. This includes increasing engagement with the Next Generation, fostering cultural and educational initiatives, and continuing to embrace efforts like the text book program and the Greek International Film Festival that bring our community together. The HHF’s goal, like yours, is to continue to share the richness of Hellenic heritage with the broader Canadian community, reinforcing the values of excellence, philanthropy, and unity that define us.

I invite you to join us in this exciting chapter—whether by attending our events, volunteering your time, making financial donations or other ways of contributing to our initiatives. Your support is the cornerstone of our success, and together, we can ensure that Hellenism thrives in Canada for years to come.

Thankyou for your trust and commitment. I look forward to working with all of you to advance our shared mission.

John Mavriyannakis,
President,
Hellenic Heritage Foundation

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Message from the Managing Director
We are exited to share the latest edition of our HHF Electronic Newsletter as we continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.  Our Foundation is dedicated to preserving, promoting and advancing Hellenic language, education, culture and heritage within our Hellenic communities across the country, and this newsletter will be another way of keeping you informed about our progress, initiatives, and the people whose lives are being touched by your support.

Succession planning is a vital part of our continued growth and sustainability and I’d like to congratulate our newest Executive Team Members which were confirmed after our recent AGM this summer:

President: John Mavriyannakis
Past President: Anastassios (Andy)Seretis
Treasurer: John Vavitsas
Secretary: Parthena (Patty) Keroglidis
Chair, Fundraising: Chris Tambakis
Chair, Major Projects & Endowments:Lana Paton
Chair, Governance & Membership: KostaKalogiros
Chair, Community Projects: John Papadakis
Chair, PR & Communications: MaryHeinmaa

As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to transparency and communication, in addition to the fulfillment of our mandate.  In each issue of the Newsletter, you’ll find updates on our current projects & initiatives, member spotlights, upcoming events, and ways you can get more involved.  Whether through volunteering, donating, attending our events or simply spreading the word, there are countless ways you can contribute to our mission and help us create lasting change.

We are deeply grateful for all the support we have received over the years, and we are eager to continue working together to make a positive difference in our communities by creating a legacy for future generations to build from.  Thank you for being part of this important cause – which relies heavily on your participation and involvement to truly matter.  Stay tuned for exciting updates, stories of inspiration, and opportunities to engage.  Together, we are building a better future and foundation for Hellenism in Canada.

With warmest regards,

George Keroglidis,
Managing Director,
Hellenic Heritage Foundation

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