Through innovative fundraising, Skyros Holidays have raised over €27.000 for its charitable cause - The Skyros Island Support Fund. The amount surpassed by €7.000 the original target of €20.000! Established in March 2013, the Fund will help to heat the island's schools, clinic and nursing home during the winter of 2013/14 as the Greek Government subsidies for the purpose have dried up. The first batch of fuel has now been delivered to schools: www.skyros.com

Skyros Holidays has, for decades, enjoyed a somewhat symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship with its host island. During the summer it runs four programmes on the Greek island of Skyros: the Writers' Lab, Life Choices, the Art Studio, and Atsitsa Bay holistic holidays. During the winter, it travels afar to Cuba, Cambodia and Thailand, but it still wants to support the Greek island in a time of need. Charity, it is often said, begins at home and Skyros island has been home from home for thousands of those who have joined it over the years.

And so, on Thursday 21st March 2013, sat before steaming cups of coffee and humming computers, the Skyros team sent out a newsletter announcing the new Skyros Island Support Fund with the specific aim of raising €20.000 for heating the Greek island's schools, clinic and nursing home during the winter of 2013 / 2014. Thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity from the many friends of Skyros, Skyros Holidays not only reached this goal but surpassed it too. The total funds raised has now reached €27.018,41! Skyros Holidays is, therefore, pleased to confirm that on the 11th of November, the first instalment of fuel was delivered to the five schools on the island (see photos). This includes the nurseries and the primary and secondary schools. This cost a total of €5.090,40, leaving the fund still with €21.928,01. The next fuel delivery will be in January.

Skyros Holidays is waiting to hear when fuel for the nursing home and clinic needs to be delivered. It will also assist with the purchasing of essential supplies for the local hospital --a list of required materials at an approximate cost of €10.000 has been received. In the meantime, Skyros Holidays is working closely with the local community to ensure that all funds raised go directly to where they are needed most, and that prices obtained ensure the funds go as far as possible.

An innovative way to raise money.

Skyros Holidays is delighted that the Greek island 'Auctions of Promises', which ran during every holiday in Greece this summer, went down a treat. Who would have thought that fundraising could be such a laugh? Throughout the holiday guests and staff offered a variety of exciting 'promises', including a private helicopter ride, a personalised cover of the financial times, novels signed by their authors, Greek cooking lessons, massages, holidays in Brussels, UK, America and South Africa, and much, much more. Then, at the end of the holiday, bidders battled for their favourites in the buzzing weekly auction, resulting in an evening of fun, giggles, wine and fundraising madness.



Additional donations were also received through the Support Fund Shop, where wonderful Skyros facilitators donated goodies at discounted rates to encourage charitable donations. Many others made payments direct into the Support Fund account through the online donate button.



Touched by such a caring and vibrant response, Skyros Holidays would like to to say a massive efharistó (thank you) to everyone who contributed to the fund. This couldn't have been done without their very generous donations. Thank you also on behalf of the locals who received the Fund's help with genuine gratitude. A difference has been made for so many islanders this winter.


With thanks & best wishes,
The Skyros Team
Isle of Wight

www.skyros.com

For more information and photos, or to get involved, please do contact the Skyros office at press@skyros.com.

Skyros is the leading provider of alternative holidays and offers inspirational holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cambodia, Cuba and the UK. With a wide range of activities including yoga, windsurfing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much more, there is plenty of choice for everyone! Ideal for solo travellers, with good food and great company --it's a winning combination! www.skyros.com