The Charalambos & Elena Pattihis Foundation, established in 2020 by long-time philanthropists Charalambos and Elena Pattihis, continues to be a pillar of support for the Cypriot community. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering a significant and positive impact across its 5 pillars of action: Social Welfare, Education, Culture, Health, and the Environment.
In 2023, the Charalambos & Elena Pattihis Foundation has stayed true to its mission to improve the quality of life in Cyprus and has made significant progress in achieving its goals, thanks to its dedicated founders, board members and staff. Below is a comprehensive summary of the Foundation’s key activities and accomplishments throughout the previous year:
Cultural Preservation and Education: The Foundation continues to support, operate, and enhance the Takis Pattichis Museum of Industrial Pharmacy in the Carob Mill in Limassol, which it founded in 2022. The museum is named after Mr. Takis Pattichis (1927 – 2016), the founder of the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Industry, and hosts an eclectic selection of scientific exhibits related to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Entry is free of charge and in 2023 the Museum has hosted educational tours for numerous schools, universities, and academic institutions not just from Cyprus but also from abroad. It is worth noting that the Takis Pattichis Museum of Industrial Pharmacy has been recognised as the only one of its kind in the world.
Additionally, and in response to the recent fast-paced development that has been taking place in Cyprus, the Foundation has initiated an important project to photograph buildings with a remarkable and historic architectural character. This initiative contributes to a forthcoming commemorative publication that the Foundation is preparing and will offer to the public free of charge, which celebrates each city’s architectural legacy. The aim of this publication is to document the special architecture of Cyprus, starting with the city of Limassol, and preserve its memory for future generations.
Healthcare and Social Welfare Partnerships: Demonstrating a strong commitment to health and social welfare services, the Foundation has signed Memoranda of Cooperation and provided financial sponsorships and resource support to several organisations, including the Karaiskakio Foundation, PASYKAF, the Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Heart Disease, the Agios Stefanos Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Patients Association, the Cyprus Red Cross Society, the Theotokos Foundation, the Centre for Preventive Paediatrics “Americos Argyriou”, the Prosvasi Foundation, the Little Heroes Foundation, the Pattihis Senior Citizens Engagement Centre, the Pancyprian Antileukemia Association “ZOE”, the Pancyprian Association for Children with Cancer and Related Diseases “One Dream One Wish” and others.
These partnerships and collaborations aim to strengthen the already remarkable capacities of these vital organisations in providing essential services to the Cyprus community.
Community Support and Volunteerism: The Foundation continues to closely support the work of the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council and in 2023 the Charalambos & Elena Pattihis Foundation has generously supported its charity campaigns such as the “ADOPT A FAMILY AT EASTER” and the “ALL CHILDREN WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES” campaigns.
The Foundation’s efforts also extended to seasonal charity initiatives, providing gift vouchers for food and other necessities to families in need during Christmas. In addition, the Charalambos & Elena Pattihis Foundation responded to the call for aid from several local schools and kindergartens and provided the required food vouchers to enable the schools to continue feeding pupils in need.
Furthermore, the Foundation continues to financially support the important work of the Bishop of Limassol in providing free meals to fellow human beings in need.
Environmental Conservation: The Foundation actively participated in environmental conservation efforts, notably the tree planting event in Tersefanou, Larnaka, organised by the Laona Foundation. This project aligns with the larger “Project LIFE – ArgOassis AGAINST DESERTIFICATION,” aiming to plant 3000 saplings to combat desertification in Cyprus.
Board and Community Engagement: The year of 2023 also saw the first official meeting of the extended Board of Directors of the Charalambos & Elena Pattihis Foundation, welcoming Mr. Costas Pamballis and Mr. Phanos Theophanous to the team, and strengthening the governance and strategic direction of the Foundation. Mr. Costas Pamballis, with his esteemed background as a retired Supreme Court Judge of the Republic of Cyprus, brings a wealth of legal acumen and ethical guidance, enriching the Foundation’s decision-making processes. Meanwhile, Mr. Phanos Theophanous, in his role as Managing Director at Barclays Private Bank in London, contributes his extensive experience and strategic thinking, further enhancing the Foundation’s capacity for impactful philanthropy and operational excellence. Together, their contributions signify a significant bolstering of the Foundation’s leadership, poised to navigate the complexities of charitable engagement with renewed vision and expertise.
Moreover, the Foundation’s engagement in various community events in 2023, including cultural and scientific workshops, underscores its role as a proactive contributor to the societal and cultural fabric of Cyprus.
Through these diverse activities, the Charalambos & Elena Pattihis Foundation has not only upheld but also expanded its impact, embodying the values of philanthropy, community support, and cultural preservation. The Foundation’s dedicated efforts in 2023 are a testament to its enduring commitment to enriching lives and fostering a resilient, flourishing Cyprus for future generations.
