Tasks
Volunteers are at the heart of our NGO’s daily work. From supporting community programs to helping with organization and outreach, the everyday tasks of our volunteers keep our mission moving forward.
Kapnikos Stathmos: One Community, Many Roles
Kapnikos Stathmos Katerini and its various activities/projects are like a living organism. Every activity is an organ and organs need to cooperate to make the organism function as a whole. That means that while the main focus of each project is clear (Ecology Gardening, Fire Prevention etc.), when needed, volunteers and staff members alike will take time to help in other areas, such as checking and sorting newly come medicine for the Social Pharmacy, making crafts for the flower exhibition in the spring, or helping in the preparations for an event regarding important social issues. We pride ourselves on our involvement across many areas. This gives the volunteers the opportunity to get hands-on experience mainly on the topic of their choice but also in a variety of other things belonging in the same philosophical sphere.
Last but not least, volunteers are expected to help in the daily tasks needed to upkeep and maintain our community facilities, such as cleaning, chopping wood for our heating needs or doing minor repairs.
The Tasks regarding the Projects
Civic Ecology Garden
Participants in the Civic Ecology Garden program take part in the everyday care of the garden. Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, composting, and harvesting, as well as helping prepare garden beds and proper maintenance for tools. Through hands-on gardening, participants support sustainable food production, learn ecological practices, and contribute to a shared green space that benefits both the community and the environment. Furthermore there’s an artistic side to the project where volunteers craft functional decorations such as stylish scarecrows and colorful pots.
Summer Camp
Participants in the Summer Camp project play an active role in protecting local ecosystems from wildfires. Their tasks include monitoring the surrounding landscape of Mt. Olympus from the tower, and reporting signs of smoke or fire to the fire brigade. In addition to observation duties, participants help raising awareness about forest-fire prevention, helping educate the public about wildfire risks.
Solidarity Christmas Village
Participants in the solidarity-based Christmas Village help create a welcoming space centered on solidarity and cycling economy. Tasks include setting up and crafting decorations with used materials, organizing activities and games for kids and adults and providing help to the general operation of the village. Entry is free for everyone, and no one has to pay for food or drinks; instead, visitors are invited to contribute a 2 kg bag of food, which will be collected and later redistributed through our Social Goods Distribution program to support vulnerable individuals and families. Through this initiative, participants help keep the essence of simplicity and solidarity to a festive event that oftentimes becomes a tool of consumerism.
Social Pharmacy
Participants in the Social Pharmacy program support the careful handling and distribution of donated medicines for people in need. Their tasks include inspecting received medications, performing deep checks to ensure safety and validity, and categorizing items according to type and use. By maintaining an organized and reliable system, participants help ensure that essential medicines are distributed responsibly and reach vulnerable individuals who depend on this support.
Social Goods Distribution
Participants in the Social Goods Distribution help manage a space where food and essential products are stored and distributed to people in vulnerable situations. Their tasks include checking the validity and expiry of the products. Restocking inventory, sorting products into clear categories, and ensuring items are placed on the correct shelves. Through careful organization and stock management, participants help keep the social market efficient, accessible, and ready to support those who rely on it.
