Fr. Eumenios Vassilopoulos at the radio fundraiser of the Agapi Care Foundation
The Agapi Care Foundation organized the annual radio fundraiser in Melbourne on Sunday, May 23. The aim of the fundraiser was to raise money to support children with disabilities, their families and carers, and to raise public awareness of disability issues.
The Archdiocese of Australia and Archbishop Makarios, who is a staunch supporter of the work of the Foundation, were represented by the Archepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, Archimandrite Evmenios Vasilopoulos.
In his message, Fr. Evmenios stressed the need to defend the rights of people with disabilities in education, work and life. He pointed out that disability was not a personal choice and that each of us could face a temporary or permanent disability.
“Laughter, play, joy, care are a right and a need for all children,” stressed Fr. Evmenios, focusing on the right of all to have access to comprehensive care and equal opportunities to fully develop their skills.
Finally, he stressed the need to apply the fundamental requirement of society: “To be accepted as you are, and to coexist with others,” noting that the marginalization of people with disabilities runs counter to the principles of a democratic and just society.