SOCIETY

The Corporate Social Responsibility Program of elin, "othisi", commenced operates in 2023 and constitutes a cornerstone of the company’s strategy on its path towards sustainable development. As a comprehensive group with a 71-year history and a responsible corporate citizen, elin has long supported vulnerable individuals and social groups facing difficult living conditions, envisioning a better future for all.

This year, the program enters its third successful year of operation and continues to strengthen local communities through its multifaceted contributions. The actions implemented within the program address critical needs and provide boost (“othisi”) for prosperity and progress, both through collaborations with organizations carrying out public benefit work and through independent voluntary actions by the company, via the volunteer team “othisi” it has established.

In this direction, the company collaborates with the award-winning non-profit organization “Emfasis Non-Profit,” which supports fellow citizens facing homelessness, unemployment, or social exclusion, covering the expenses of two Mobile Support Units (MSUs) regarding tolls, parking, cleaning, and fuel costs. In 2024, the cooperation with the organization expanded, with the “othisi” program contributing to the support of flood-affected communities in Thessaly through actions aimed at restoring the consequences of the recent disaster caused by the Daniel phenomenon. Specifically, the company fully funded an additional mobile unit, equipping Emfasis with the tools needed to successfully carry out its work. Meanwhile, through joint efforts of the Organization’s team and the volunteer team “othisi,” long-life food and essential supplies were collected at the Social Grocery Store of the Municipality of Mouzaki, benefiting residents of the Rizovouni Community who are in vulnerable conditions.

Simultaneously, elin contributes as a “Mobility Supporter” to the vital efforts of Humanity Greece to assist vulnerable and affected local communities nationally, covering fixed expenses of its Volunteer Coordination Center and fuel needs for volunteer vehicles. At the same time, the company supports the comprehensive preparation and readiness plan of Humanity Greece’s volunteer team, aiming for immediate intervention in the field in case of any natural disaster such as fire, earthquake, or flood. During the year, the volunteer team of “othisi” visited the Organization’s kitchen and participated in preparing meals for people in need.

elin also maintains steady cooperation with the street magazine “Schedia” to support its vendors and their social reintegration. Creating a safe point of sale, the “othisi” program welcomed the accredited vendors of the magazine in 2024 with love and solidarity, hosting them for one day at the company’s offices. At the same time, members of the program’s volunteer team wore the magazine’s red vests and became “Vendors for an Hour” on the streets of the Municipality of Kifisia.

Moreover, with an activity deeply connected to the sea—an area of involvement for 71 years—elin recognizes the critical problem of marine ecosystem pollution faced by local communities of the islands. Within the framework of “othisi,” it implements an innovative, holistic awareness and education program for local communities of the Greek islands, aiming at prevention and effective management of marine pollution caused by fuels and lubricants. In collaboration with Aegean Rebreath and the Blue Municipalities Network, it strengthens the local communities of the islands by providing the necessary tools to become effective stewards and guardians of the marine environment. With the core message “No source of pollution is insignificant”, company executives and organization representatives visit Greek islands to train port authority representatives and professional fishermen on issues related to marine environment conservation and protection. Furthermore, in each island, elin donates anti-pollution equipment, providing local communities with all the necessary tools to prevent, contain, and manage any pollution events in the ports of the Greek islands.

In 2024, the program was further enhanced by the inclusion of the Marine Census, a research process for the systematic recording and evaluation of marine pollution in the country’s ports through the collection and analysis of seawater samples. Through this initiative, the program takes a holistic approach to marine pollution, providing local island communities with an understanding of these phenomena. Concurrently, within this framework, elin donated a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to Aegean Rebreath, enabling the collection of water and sediment samples, as well as the retrieval of nets from the seabed.

The analysis and evaluation of samples are carried out by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. The results are expected to offer a comprehensive picture to local communities of the Greek islands regarding the quality of waters in Greek ports and to contribute to the development of specialized policies for the prevention and management of marine pollution.