The Ko-Go Khronicles

KOKKINI FUND-RAISER FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

In spite of the weather alternating between threatening clouds and sunshine, more than 40 people were on hand recently for the charity barbeque and yard sale at the Neraida Restaurant in Kokkini Hani. All proceeds from the event went to benefit The Haven (www.cawg-greece.com), the 10-year-old animal welfare group located on the outskirts of Malia. In acknowledging her appreciation of everyone's support, Gayner Vlastou, director of the group, said the emphasis of the organization is to take a more aggressive attitude in its fund-raising, with many charity dinners, barbeques and bazaars planned for the coming year throughout Crete.

Last month's event was hosted by Tony and Chris Bowes, the affable owners/chefs at the popular Kokkini Hani seaside restaurant. Tony, at the charcoal grill, dished up his famous BBQ spare ribs and marinated pork chops, while Chris whipped up several of her signature salads.

In addition to the excellent food, there were several tables for the sale of various items, including plants and home-made pork pies. Also, there were raffles, games and contests, including a photo competition, where people had to match pictures of pets with their owners.
Dave Sheppard of Kokkini Hani won the first prize in the raffle, which was a bottle of whiskey and Barbara Nobbs of Drapanos, one of the volunteers shown on the left, won the "pets & owners" photo match game. In all, about 250 Euros were raised for the day.

"There is just so much more that needs to be done in addition to providing shelter," Gayner told The Ko-Go Khronicles at the barbeque. "We will be concentrating on neutering, the only way forward for positive change. In reviewing our past ten years and the situation within society, we have come to realise that what we are most reaching for, lasting change in people’s attitudes, is getting more and more distant. This is mainly due to the excessive demands of shelter work - it is consuming all our time, energy and funds."