Our responses to the publication of the newspaper "TO VIMA" in the issue of 18 December 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Athens, 18 December 2022

Our responses to the publication of the newspaper "TO VIMA" in the issue of 18 December 2022

In response to the second headline and article by Vassilis G. Lambropoulos in the newspaper "TO VIMA TIS KYRIAKIS" (18.12.2022), and in order to inform first and foremost the citizens who support and actively participate in the work of the Organization for the past 27 consecutive years, "The Smile of the Child” notes the following:

• Regarding the insinuations made against Costas Yannopoulos, the President of the Organization, it is noted that Costas Yannopoulos has devoted his entire life from 1995 until today, with no interruption, to the implementation of the Organization's work.
  Literally, every day, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, he is on the front line for the effective execution of all the actions of the Organization, whose work has been recognized in Greece and internationally.
  Therefore, as is absolutely reasonable, in order to ensure his and his family's livelihood and in the framework of procedures approved by the General Assemblies, he received specific amounts of work remuneration unanimously approved by the members. Today this no longer exists as he has retired, nevertheless he continues to provide his services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
  It should also be noted that as foreseen both he and his wife submit on an annual basis the income tax return (E1 form), the declaration of real estate information (E9 form) and the asset declarations.
• Regarding the apartment where Costas Yannopoulos and his family reside, it is noted that it has been granted to him for use in accordance with a relevant resolution of the Board of Directors, on whose basis it is foreseen that the President of the Organization resides in one of the Organization's properties and his/her monthly expenditures of water supply, electricity and utilities are covered.

This particular apartment is exploited both to cover his family's housing needs, as well as to operate essentially as a coordination center for the Organization's actions during his 24-hour occupation.

• Regarding the insinuations made about the relationship between the employees with the managers and the coordinators of the Organization's actions, it is noted that in an Organization that employs approximately 500 staff nationwide, it is reasonable and expected that problems and disagreements have arisen, always with a view to ensuring the provision of high quality services to the children and families supported by "The Smile of the Child". At the same time, it is noted that "The Smile of the Child" employs numerous staff members nearly from the beginning of its operation, people who serve the aims of the Organization with consistency.

In any case, it is noted that "The Smile of the Child" and Costas Yannopoulos, President of the Board of Directors, are steadily and consistently at the disposal of any competent auditing state body.

You can watch the relevant statements of Mr. Costas Yannopoulos at the following link: https://youtu.be/PKRLO0FyL8E

You can see briefly the specific and holistic Actions of the Organization "The Smile of the Child" at the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ltEnq6TnHoHcz0An8Yr4bV_0Ef7poi-s/view?usp=sharing