“Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation”: Committed to the values of Pavlos Giannakopoulos

The mission and the first projects implemented by the new Foundation, pledging to safeguard its values across generations, were presented during a special event.

The "Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation" was officially launched, with a view to supporting society and the community through initiatives relating to specific sectors. In particular, the Foundation aims to promote sportsmanship, health, education, culture, environmental awareness, and sustainable development. These areas reflect Pavlos Giannakopoulos’s interests and the sectors in which he was distinguished throughout his life.

Pavlos Giannakopoulos was a truly self-made man, authentic, and a visionary businessman characterised by social awareness. He faced many difficulties early in life, thus he never ceased to help those in need. In memory of Pavlos Giannakopoulos’s significant contribution, the Foundation seeks to carry on his remarkable legacy and become a beacon of creativity and solidarity within the Greek society, safeguarding its values across generations.

It is worth noting that the "Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation" has already undertaken initiatives related to health, education, and culture all over Greece. Also, an annual scholarship programme will fund students of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. In 2022, the Foundation will provide substantial donations to upgrade facilities in the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio" and the General Hospital of Preveza, it will supply equipment to two Departments of the General Hospital of Mytilene "Vostaneio", while it will also fully redevelop the basketball court of the Astypalaia Middle School. Moreover, the "Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation" will offer six scholarships to students in the Department of Pharmacy, the Department of Medicine, and the School of Physical Education and Sport Science of the University of Athens.

To further its work, the Foundation is open to contributions from individuals and organisations. Also, the Foundation’s BoD, chaired by Dimitris P. Giannakopoulos, will receive and review proposals for donations. In collaboration with experts and scientists, the "PGF" will ensure that all initiatives, programmes, and funding reflect society's needs.

During the official presentation of the "Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation", which took place at the Zappeion on Tuesday, 20 September 2022, the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr Dimitris P. Giannakopoulos, stated the following: "Pavlos Giannakopoulos was "universal", a unifying force. I am really grateful that so many people from politics, health, and sports are here today to honour his memory. Those who really knew him, recognised that Pavlos Giannakopoulos was compassionate, loving, selfless, and generous. (...) His eagerness to support the community was remarkable. I would often ask him: "Why do you do all this? Why did you help this or that person?" And he would tell me: "We are supposed to give back to the community", especially if we have faced adversity growing up and have struggled to survive. So, when I took over VIANEX and Panathinaikos, it was my duty to continue his social service. The best way to accomplish this is the establishment of a foundation dedicated to support people, health, and sports. So, today, we present the "Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation", hoping that my father’s exemplary course will continue to serve as a beacon of creativity and solidarity within society."

Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos, former President of Greece, Professor Emeritus of Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, also gave a speech, noting: "I am convinced that, through the establishment of the ‘Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation’, the family of Pavlos Giannakopoulos and mostly his beloved son, Dimitris, will carry on his long-standing tradition, thus honouring his invaluable legacy in the future, supporting society. I am also convinced that all of us who were close friends with Pavlos Giannakopoulos will firmly stand by this endeavour."

Representing the Prime Minister, Mr Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investment, stated the following during his address: "I would like to congratulate Dimitris Giannakopoulos on establishing the Foundation. Those of us who knew Pavlos Giannakopoulos strongly believe that he deserves to have a foundation named after him so that his significant contribution will continue after his passing. Thus, the example this great man set as a citizen, a family man, a businessman, and above all a member of our community will inspire future generations and motivate others to follow in his footsteps. The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, sends his best wishes for the Foundation's success and of course the government pledges to aid the Foundation's mission."

Mr Dionysis Filiotis, President and Managing Director at Pharmaserve-Lilly and close friend of late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, stated the following: "I am greatly moved that Mr Dimitris Giannakopoulos, with his family by his side here today, decided to establish this Foundation in memory of his father. (...) I believe that the 'Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation' will live up to my good friend's work and vision."

Last but not least, Doctor Antonis Avgerinos, Board Member of the "Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation", stated the following: "Pavlos Giannakopoulos, now etched in eternity, laid the groundwork that make this Foundation’s orientation inherently social. It is our duty to follow his example and point the way to social growth, solidarity, social cohesion and contribution. That was his vision and we shall pursue it."