The tech sector in Cyprus has stepped up to support wildfire victims, with TechIsland announcing the distribution of 615 air purifiers to affected households.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- The tech sector in Cyprus has stepped up to support wildfire victims, with TechIsland announcing the distribution of 615 air purifiers to affected households.
On Thursday, TechIsland, a non-profit organisation, confirmed that these air purifiers were delivered to several villages impacted by the devastating fires this summer. This initiative, which commenced in July, was made possible through the generous contributions of over 60 companies and professionals from the tech community.
In collaboration with local administrations and the volunteer group We Stand Together, the air purifiers were delivered to communities including Agios Georgios, Malia, Lofou, Monagri, Souni, Agios Therapon, Vouni, and Silikou. Families with children, elderly residents, and individuals with health conditions were prioritised during the distribution to ensure that those most in need received assistance.
Valentinos Polykarpou, chairman of TechIsland and general manager of Wargaming, expressed the urgency of the initiative, stating, “Our first goal was to act quickly and provide tangible help where it was most needed. These purifiers may not undo the damage caused by the fires, but they bring practical health support to people in affected areas.”
Beyond immediate relief, the initiative represents a long-term commitment to fire protection and prevention strategies. TechIsland is actively engaging with experts and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan that focuses on monitoring and early warning systems, aimed at safeguarding communities against future wildfire risks.
The distribution effort was facilitated by the hard work of volunteers from We Stand Together, who played a crucial role in identifying the needs of the affected communities. Special recognition was given to volunteers such as Maria Rapoport, Dana Turogina, and Tatiana Zadiraka, whose dedication ensured the success of this initiative.
Various tech companies have rallied together to support this cause. Notable contributors include Wargaming, Exness, payabl., GDEV, and many others. Their collective effort underscores the solidarity within the tech sector, as they aim to not only provide emergency relief but also to foster long-term resilience in the region.
Kyriakos Paphitis, head of Cyprus operations for GDEV, highlighted the remarkable solidarity shown by the tech sector, stating, “This is not just about emergency relief but also about demonstrating that we stand with Cyprus, ready to support its people both in times of need and in building long-term resilience.”
Oleg Grushevich, CEO and co-founder of Easybrain, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in being part of an initiative that contributes to making Cyprus a safer place. He added, “It also gives us an opportunity to support practical steps that improve everyday life on the island. We hope this collective effort will help make Cyprus more sustainable and better protected against future challenges.”
TechIsland has confirmed that this distribution is merely the first step in a broader programme aimed at combating the growing threat of wildfires. Plans for a long-term strategy to enhance fire prevention and community support are already in the works, with further details expected to be released in the coming weeks.
