Greek bank curbs hit children’s charities just as needs soar | Reuters
▻http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/21/eurozone-greece-charity-idUSL5N1012JA20150721
“The Smile of the Child” needs around 1.3 million euros ($1.4 million) a month to operate fully but has only around 400,000 euros in the bank.
A new deal struck between Greece and its international creditors last week could also push up demand for volunteer-run clinics and food banks across Greece.
The cost of living already rose on Monday with value-added tax raised to 23 percent on public transport and a range of foodstuffs. Cuts to pensions, further tax increases and reductions in public spending will follow under a third bailout programme for Greece.
“The Smile of the Child” already expects to help around 50 percent more children this year than in 2014, with around 120,000 under-18s expected to benefit, up from 83,000 in 2014.
In 2011, only around 20,000 babies and youngsters were being supported, a sign of the social crisis following years of high unemployment and cuts to areas such as health and education.