[caption id="attachment_2806" align="alignright" width="300"] Andreas Dracopoulos[/caption]
Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation - Andreas Dracopoulos, was recently conferred the rank of "Officer of the Legion of Honor of the Republic of France." Hosted by His Excellency, Christopher Chantepy, Ambassador of France in Greece, the ceremony was held at the French Embassy in Athens.
Dracopoulos was honored for the charitable contributions made by him and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to the French community.
"The National Order of the Legion of Honor is the premier order of the French Republic." It was established as both a military and civil order of merit by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It is awarded to foreign citizens whose contributions have been a benefit to the nation of France.
In his speech, Mr. Dracopoulos thanked his uncle who is also the founder of the Niarchos Foundation. He dedicated the honor to him as well as his colleagues in the foundation who worked alongside him for many years.
The relations between the two countries, France and Greece have historical roots which go way back. The foundation feels the need for proper partnerships whereby public and private sectors can cooperate to build a safe and healthy environment for the society. It is a "healthy and strong society" that can cope with the challenges facing the community today.
The foundation's philanthropic efforts have taken it to over one hundred nations, having built strong relations with France in particular. Over the past decade, one hundred and seventy-five grants have been approved by the foundation to cover the needs of museums, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations in France, focusing on art, education, social welfare, and health.
They have also supported other initiatives by several French organizations who served other countries, especially in Africa where they face many obstacles.
A few of the significant grants worth mentioning include the following:
-The grant for the Centre Antoine-Lacassagne in Nice towards a 4D scanner.
-Enfance et Partage Association, for the funding of a free phone helpline dedicated to new parents.
- ZUPdeCo in Paris, to provide educational resources to underprivileged children.
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice to contribute towards the "Humanize the Hospital" program.
-Association Fratelli in Paris, in support of talented youths. The organization is in the process of discussing the support of a future project to build youth entrepreneurship.