Montreal's Greek community holds benefit concert to support victims of wildfires

On Sunday afternoon, members of Montreal's Greekcommunity gathered for abenefit concert at the Hellenic Community Centre to raise money for those affected by deadly wildfires that swept through parts Greece July 23.

Greek musicians performed at the community centre, located in Cte-des-NeigesNotre-Dame-de-Grce, donating their time and helping to raise money for the relief effort.

"Let's call on the musicians of our community to do a benefit concert, all volunteers, all free of charge to show the people of Greece, irregardless of the amount that we will collect, that we are at their side," said John Theodosopolous,
president of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec.

In the days since thewildfire raged through a coastal area east of Athens, the death toll has risento 91.

As stories ofdevastation made their way to friends and family in Montreal, Paris Petroutold CBC's Homerunthat the community was deeply affected.

"From the stories that we get, there is a real Greek tragedy [on] every block, in every neighbourhood," said Petrou, director of public relations at the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.

Petrou has a friend with a home on a hillside in Mati, a small, seasidevillage about 30 kilometres east of Athens that has suffered some of the most extensive damage after homes, cars and entire neighbourhoods were engulfed in flames.

Petrou'sfriend's home burned downandthat friend's neighbour, an elderly woman, was killed alongside two of her grandchildrenas they tried to escape.

The concert was organized bythe Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, the Hellenic Congress of Quebec, and the Magic Mission Committee, which raises money for Greek institutions.

Nicolas Sigalas, Consul General of Greece in Montreal, was born in Athens and said he'd visited the affected area many times before the fires.

"I remember going with my parents," he said. "We all know friends that had to face and survive this catastrophe."

Organizers say all the money raised at Sunday's event will go directly to people on the ground.

Andreas Crilis, vice-president ofthe Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, told CBChe's proud to see his friends and neighbours showing their solidarity.

"Greeks are really resilient people and we stand together; we're strong. Hopefully with a lot of courage and strength, the rebuild will happen quickly."