Mati Wildfire Response & Reconstruction
From the very first days after the devastating wildfires, Desmos set three main priorities:
Immediate relief for affected communities (Municipalities of Marathon and Rafina–Pikermi)
Restoration and reopening of destroyed public spaces
Prevention and protection of the area against future disasters
Within the first year after the tragedy, Desmos had already completed several key reconstruction projects, including:
Redevelopment of the surrounding area of the Mati Nautical Club – NAOMA
construction of 3 playgrounds (NAOMA, Mati, Neos Voutzas)
2 basketball courts (Mati, Neos Voutzas)
1 beach volleyball court (Mati)
In September 2019, Desmos organized a free concert by Anna Vissi, an artist deeply connected to the local community. Held at the renewed NAOMA grounds, the concert offered a symbolic ray of hope and unity for residents still recovering from the trauma.
In 2020, during the first lockdown, Desmos built a 5×5 football field at the Municipal Sports Center of Rafina, home to the local sports club “Proodos Neou Voutza”, and donated a crane truck to the Municipality of Marathon. For two consecutive years (2020–2021), Desmos also undertook the cleaning of dry grass and branches in public spaces to assist the municipality’s fire prevention efforts. In 2022, following site inspections, renovations and landscaping improvements were carried out around the sports facilities, along with the installation of thank-you plaques and other enhancements.
In May 2023, responding to a request from the local volunteer firefighting team S.E.D.M., Desmos purchased and donated a firefighting vehicle, strengthening the team’s operational capacity and honoring their selfless contribution to protecting Greece’s forests and communities.
The vehicle was purchased through Desmos and the George & Victoria Karelias Foundation, with equipment provided by Aegeas AMKE, free transport from Germany by ANEK Lines, and additional costs covered by S.E.D.M.’s loyal supporters.
The vehicle was purchased through Desmos and the George & Victoria Karelias Foundation, with equipment provided by Aegeas AMKE, free transport from Germany by ANEK Lines, and additional costs covered by S.E.D.M.’s loyal supporters.
Over the past five years, Desmos’ initiatives in Eastern Attica have been made possible thanks to the European Investment Bank (EIB), 23 corporate partners, and 328 individual donors, whose contributions totaling €528,000 supported both immediate relief and long-term reconstruction projects. The free Anna Vissi concert alone raised €48,000 from 14 corporate donors.
Our actions in the region are a living example of the valuable results that can be achieved through partnerships between individuals, institutions, non-profit organizations, and companies for the common good.
We have become true friends and partners with the people of the area.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood by us and trusted our mission.
Watch the video of our response in Eastern Attica after the 2018 wildfires — long & short versions available
