Description
When Marie Parisinou Nicholsby joined a group of parents to raise money for a sick child, she had little idea that the small bake sales and afternoon teas would lead to a path of philanthropy that would galvanize hundreds of volunteers and help thousands of people in need.
The Alkionides charity was founded in Cyprus in 1998, a small group of women who were focused on helping people in crisis get through their hardest times. The charity takes its name from the Halcyon Days of winter when the Gods in Greek mythology gave the kingfisher to lay its eggs during the coldest times.
The book chronicles how the charity, led by Marie, started by helping one family at a time and grew into an international force that raises millions and is fueled by the support of community and volunteers. Marie chronicles the years in Cyprus and the great work Alkionides does here, and the move to the UK where a new arm of the charity helps people facing critical challenges.
“In the last 25 years, I have seen countless times how a simple act of kindness can change a person’s life,” says Marie.
“In writing this book during the pandemic, I wanted to tell the wonderful story of Alkionides and how it became a way of life for me and my family, giving us many great friends and a fulfilling vocation. I also wanted to pay tribute to all the volunteers and supporters, especially my soulmate Georgia Polyviou whose legacy is honored and treasured.”