Hellenic Canadian Community of York Region
Founded in 1980, HCCY is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting and empowering Greek Canadians in York Region while preserving Hellenic culture, language, traditions and community life.
Culture, belonging, and community.
Our mission is to establish a strong and enduring network that preserves our rich Hellenic heritage through impactful programs, while benefiting our members, their families, and paying homage to our ancestors.
At HCCY, we are a community of Greek Canadians who are passionate about celebrating and promoting our Hellenic culture. We are proud of our roots and strive to foster a sense of belonging and unity among our members.
We are committed to preserving our Hellenic heritage by organizing cultural events, festivals, and activities that showcase the richness and diversity of Greek traditions, history, language, arts, and cuisine.
Our Board
Executive
Directors
Established in 1980.
Establishment and Goals
Letters Patent were issued by the Province of Ontario on April 8, 1980, officially creating HCCY as a separate legal entity in accordance with the laws of Ontario. Eleven individuals acted as applicants and original incorporators: Alex Alexopoulos, Christos Anagnostopoulos, Angelos Angelopoulos, John Chlorakos, George Dimakakos, Anastasios Karabatsos, Nickolas Minas, Larry Mirkopoulos, Peter Paganos, George Stefou, and Pantelis Tsiarias.
HCCY was incorporated with thirteen objectives, including preserving and fostering Greek culture and traditions, promoting interest in Greek culture and religion, establishing schools for Greek language and cultural education, and providing charitable services to people in need.
Governance
HCCY is governed by an elected board of directors. In the early years elections were held every year and presidents often changed annually. The first elections were held on May 18, 1980 and the first president was Anastasios Karabatsos. Over the decades, a number of presidents served multiple terms and helped guide the organization through periods of growth and change.
Homes of HCCY
A permanent home has been a constant but elusive dream of HCCY. In the early years directors met in local Greek-owned businesses, restaurants and community facilities. In 1985 a major initiative led to a lease for the Farm House at Richmond Green on Elgin Mills Road. HCCY also occupied the old Richmond Hill Town Hall on Yonge Street before the property was cleared for the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts.
Community Involvement
HCCY has a long history of participation in community events and charitable work. In 1981 the organization participated in the Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade and won first prize for its float. HCCY has supported Mackenzie Health Hospital and numerous Hellenic organizations, and proudly participated in the 2009 Olympic Torch Relay when Hellenic Academy of York student Stephanie Parigoris carried the torch along Yonge Street near Highway 407.
Greek School
The operation of a Greek School for children was one of the principal reasons HCCY was created, and some form of Greek School operated from the organization's earliest years. Minutes from 1984 indicate that 32 families had children registered that year. Since then the school has continued to thrive and grow to more than 300 students.
The Greek School was later placed into a registered charity called the York Hellenic Educational Society, also known as the Hellenic Academy of York.
Working With Our Seniors
HCCY has contributed funds, services and time to assist seniors. When a Seniors Club or Committee was formed, HCCY worked with the committee to obtain premises for the benefit of its members and to provide services and maintenance.
Women's Auxiliary Committee
A Ladies Auxiliary Committee was very active in the early years and successfully attracted participation from many volunteers. The committee organized numerous functions, including a Hawaiian Night in June 1984. Formal rules respecting the relationship between the Women's Auxiliary Committee and HCCY were entered into in 1985.
Charitable Status
HCCY has been focused on charitable endeavours since incorporation. In pursuit of charitable status, the Greek School was placed into a separate legal entity incorporated on September 14, 2007 as the York Hellenic Educational Society. The business name Hellenic Academy of York was registered on November 26, 2008. The Canada Revenue Agency registered the Hellenic Academy of York as a charitable organization effective December 12, 2008, with registration number 83960 5755 RR0001.
Our Past Presidents
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