Desmos’ Work in northern Evia
The catastrophic wildfires of 2021 devastated many parts of Greece, including Northern Evia. The final toll reached 508,000 stremmas (50,800 hectares) of burned land — 275,000 stremmas of forest and 34,000 stremmas of olive groves, with the remainder consisting of farmland and shrubland. It is estimated that one-third of Evia’s forests were destroyed.
Thanks to our team’s swift response and the trust of our supporters, Desmos’ presence in Northern Evia has been continuous — from the very start of the fires to this day.
Our response began with gathering information in the early hours and days to immediately meet needs and update the ever-changing requirements after the fire was extinguished. We then found ourselves at the epicenter of the disaster, with the aim of mapping the area, its particularities, and, of course, the needs of the people. Along the way, we talked with the local community, the educational community, associations, local leaders, We cultivated relationships of trust and collaborated with agencies and organizations active in the area so that we could proceed with projects and interventions that would have a positive impact on the local community.
In the early days, Desmos coordinated in-kind donations such as: power banks, refrigerators, hygiene products, volunteer transport, hot meals, mobility aids for the elderly, food, cleaning supplies, and medicines.
Soon after, we covered essential needs including: school supplies for children, protective boots and uniforms for logging cooperatives, professional cleaning equipment, tablets to assist families applying for government aid, heaters, home appliances, furniture, and equipment for local schools.
Within the first year, Desmos implemented numerous initiatives: distribution of olive oil to families in 8 fire-affected villages, reconstruction of a 5×5 football field in the Limni community, redevelopment of the schoolyard at Rovies Primary School, including a basketball and volleyball court.
In addition, technological, educational, and athletic equipment was delivered to 11 schools, and logistical, medical, and hotel equipment was delivered to the two Health Centers of the Municipality of Mantoudi and Istiaia and to the corresponding Regional Clinics. At the same time, volunteer forest fire protection teams were reinforced in Prokopi and Limni, including a 4×4 forest firefighting vehicle.
In 2023, Desmos continued by equipping 7 volunteer fire protection teams across Evia with professional gear and protective equipment and reconstructing the former kindergarten in Papades, now operating as a Creative Learning Center for children and adults. Our most recent initiative supports the new forest nursery in Kechries, Northern Evia, dedicated to the preservation of native and rare plant species affected by the 2021 wildfires.
Through a seed collection process from surviving local forests, the nursery aims to grow around 10,000 plants annually. Desmos funds a part-time position (Dec 2023–2025) to support its operation in collaboration with the Forest Service of Limni, the Laboratory of Systematic Botany at the Agricultural University of Athens, WWF Greece, and the Volunteer Firefighting & Rescue Corps of Elymnioi (SEDDE).
True to our commitment to remain on the ground long after the spotlight fades, we’ve ensured every donation entrusted to us is used with maximum impact.
Lara Stafilopati, a member of Desmos’ Board of Directors, requested donations instead of gifts for her birthday, turning her special day into an opportunity for a unique offering.
This initiative was used to support and strengthen the fire-stricken communities of Northern Euboea.
Her initiative funded the creation of a fully equipped ceramics workshop and a warm, welcoming gym space for children and adults in the community of Kirinthos and neighboring villages.
As we complete our fourth year of continuous presence in Northern Evia, we are proud to have renovated the playground of Agia Anna Kindergarten and rebuilt the basketball court at Kirinthos Elementary School, creating beautiful new spaces for play, recreation, and community life.
Our work in Northern Evia has one guiding purpose:
to ensure that every donation brings hope, recovery, and resilience to the people and communities of this deeply affected region.
We remain deeply grateful to all our supporters — individuals, companies, and foundations — who have placed their trust in Desmos again and again, allowing us to take action and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
