Pubdate: Fri, 26 May 2006
Source: Cyprus Mail, The (Cyprus)
Copyright: Cyprus Mail 2006
Contact:  http://www.cyprus-mail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/100
Author: Jacqueline Theodoulou

NEW BID TO RAISE CASH FOR REHAB CENTRE

THE 'Value of Life' anti-drugs campaign is re-launching for the second
year running in a bid to raise money for the operational expenses of
the Ayia Skepi Therapeutic Centre.

The Association of Friends of Ayia Skepi spoke yesterday of plans to
organise a raffle, while Charalambos Pilakoutas Ltd announced that it
would for the second year be donating one of BMW's latest models, the
BMW 316i, as the grand prize for the lucky winner.

"As a company, we are to determined to add our influence to the fight
against drugs," said Charalambos Pilakoutas, Managing Director of the
Ch. Pilakoutas Ltd.

He also stressed that this fight concerned everyone. "A modern company
is obliged to contribute to society, to support its fellow human
beings and take initiatives in order to deal with social problems."

On behalf of the Association of Friends of Ayia Skepi, Vice president
Yianna Pitta spoke of the success the raffle had last year and the
significance of the UKP75,000 raised for Ayia Skepi.

"Besides the vast financial help that was used to cover the
operational needs of the Centre," said Pitta, "with the circulation of
the raffle, as well as the media coverage, this establishment helped
raise public awareness on Ayia Skepi and its work."

This year, the centre hopes to raise UKP100,000. "When the Community's
annual budget is UKP250,000 and state funding in 2005 was reduced to
UKP20,000 from the UKP30,000 it was in 2004, the UKP75,000 raised last year
was like a gift from the skies," she pointed out.

Ayia Skepi is an enclosed healing community situated in the village of
Filani, about 25km outside Nicosia. Its purpose is to deal with the
psychological aspects of overcoming drug addiction.

It operates as an inpatient therapeutic centre with a two-year
programme, where addicts are made to leave their lives and belongings
behind them, stay in isolation for a minimum of six months and get
help in mentally ridding their lives of drugs.

Since November, a Consultation Station has also been operating in
Nicosia, which deals with the preparation of drug addicts who wish to
join the Ayia Skepi community.

It also offers psychological help to the families of the community's
members. "In the few years that Ayia Skepi has been in operation, it
has had very positive results," said Pitta.

The raffle tickets will be available at the Consultation Centre, the
Ayia Skepi Therapeutic Centre, all exhibition areas of Ch. Pilakoutas
Ltd and central points in all areas of Cyprus from June 1 until
November 4, 2006.

Additionally, for every test-drive of any car from the Pilakoutas
company, a free raffle ticket will be given.

The draw will take place on November 5.

Each ticket will cost UKP1 and the entire income from ticket sales will
be given to the Ayia Skepi community, as all other expenses will be
covered by Pilakoutas. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake