TORONTO, Canada – The Daughters of Penelope (DOP) Mycenae Chapter 220, Toronto, hosted a virtual fundraising bingo night via Zoom on May 27 to support the Melissa Orphanage in Thessaloniki, Greece. All proceeds will go to the orphanage. Melissa, though it started as an orphanage for orphans from the Asia Minor Catastrophe, now functions as a long-term shelter to severely abused underage girls, who were removed from their families by court order. Melissa is a place where these girls are raised in a warm and loving family-like environment under the superb supervision of its Director, Vasilia Mavrou, and her caring staff. Many qualified professionals volunteer in Melissa providing support, advice and care, such as medical doctors, psychologists, social workers and teachers. It is a place worthy of our love and financial assistance, which the DOP does in abundance and with devotion.

Three games were played, all with different patterns. The first game was one line in any way, the second was any two lines, and the last game was a “coverall”. Bingo caller was enthusiastic Chapter President Gloria Heropoulos. All three prizes were $50 each. The evening was fun with lots of laughter and good will to help Melissa. One lucky winner was a young Sister, Christina Heropoulos, Marshall of the Maids of Athena District 23, who donated her winnings back to the charity. Another winner was the lovely octogenarian Mrs. Eva Ioardanidis, who attends many of the chapter’s events with good humor, a big smile, and a generous heart. “God bless you, Eva,” the chapter said in their statement via email. The last winner was dear friend of the chapter Chris Pappis, Lt. Governor of AHEPA District 6, a stout supporter of the Toronto Daughters. “We love you, Brother Chris,” the chapter said.

Melissa attracted many substantial donations and the event raised $2,700 thanks to the bingo players and the generosity of many other Daughters and Ahepans. The chapter shared a heartfelt thanks to all the generous donors who made contributions to this worthy cause: Emmanuel Constas, President of the Canadian Order of AHEPA; Terri Efston, Past Canadian President of the DOP; Jane Conte, B.A., LL.B, the Chapter’s Treasurer; Gloria Bitidis, Past Chapter President; D. Paraskevopoulos; and Gina Stergiotis.

“We are incredibly grateful to have the continued support from our members in the Daughters of Penelope and AHEPA,” the chapter concluded.