The solidarity and the sensitive instincts of the people of Rhodes continue to move hearts even after the devastating fire that struck the island, showing in practice that they are deeply rooted in the community.
Among the many destructions caused by the fire to homes and businesses is one of the island’s most well - known traditional taverns, the famous “Angelaki” tavern, which was completely destroyed.
The owner of the tavern, a favorite spot for many locals and visitors of the island for 32 years, Dimitris Chatzifotis, was fighting the fires to save the properties of others while his own business was succumbing to the flames…
As a volunteer, Dimitris Chatzifotis was working on the fire fronts, essentially helping in the huge battle to contain the destructive fire. The passage of the fire through Kiotari destroyed the family business “Angelaki,” which had been started 32 years ago by his late father, Giannis Chatzifotis, together with his mother, Irini.
The destruction is significant, and the struggle to rebuild the beloved spot of the locals from scratch is arduous. However, Dimitris is not alone in this effort. He has alongside him residents and entrepreneurs of the area as well as the entire island of Rhodes, who want to help rebuild the restaurant from the ground up as a way of repaying Dimitris Chatzifotis for his enormous contribution to firefighting, being on the front lines as a volunteer.
The news of the destruction of the “Angelaki” tavern saddened many locals, and many sought ways to help Dimitris, the owner, whom everyone knows by his first name, as he is an extremely beloved person.
Thus began a large effort to raise funds so that this man, who lost his own property while helping save the properties of others, can rebuild his business from scratch.
Online, a major fundraising campaign is underway through the platform “Go Get Funding” under the name “Help rebuild Angelaki Taverna.” As of yesterday, 164 people have managed to raise €8,904, but much more is needed, as the destruction is almost total.
The goal set is €100,000 to reopen Dimitris’s family tavern.
On the related page “Help rebuild Angelaki Taverna,” the following information is provided: “The family business of our friend was destroyed by the powerful fires that broke out on our beautiful island of Rhodes in July 2023. Their restaurant was one of the most popular and authentic traditional taverns in Southern Rhodes, both for locals and tourists.
Our friend’s family built their restaurant 32 years ago, with everything starting from his late father.
The once flourishing crops of vegetables, potatoes, and olive oil, which their customers so enjoyed, are now reduced to ashes. Please help us through this fundraiser, which would be very helpful for our friend and his family, to rebuild their small family business and reopen their doors.
The announcement of the campaign has moved many people, who, in addition to the online campaign, have rushed to support Dimitris Chatzifotis in any way they can, offering free or discounted services, and even donating part of the proceeds from businesses located in the affected areas.
For the volunteer Dimitris Chatzifotis, a chain of solidarity and love has been created, similar to the one he helped establish on the fire fronts. Today, friends and fellow villagers whose properties were saved thanks to Dimitris’s selflessness are trying to support him so that the beloved family business, which was a meeting place for locals and a popular destination for visitors, can stand again, where, besides quality food, smiles and hospitality abounded.
Those who wish to help raise funds and support the first - line volunteer during the fires, Dimitris Chatzifotis, can visit: https://gogetfunding.com/help-rebuild-angelaki-taverna
Source: www.dimokratiki.gr