I’m Swiss but I’ve been lucky enough to live in Ikaria for almost 30 years, married (and with two wonderful children) in Rahes. Whenever I go back to my old home Switzerland, I always refer warmly to the island I love so much, and invite everyone to come visit me. Everyone of course asks for information about life but also about accommodation, attractions, the island’s transport and various other things like any tourist. So as I was answering the same questions to everyone over and over again for years, I thought with my brother – who happens to be a programmer – to create the first German language website about Ikaria, as there was nothing like it on the internet.

So in 2011 I started with the intention of informing my close circle in Switzerland about my new homeland, but little by little it started to become known and was subsequently read by many lovers of Ikaria who have been visiting our island for years, from all the German-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The result was that the website became loved by all the friends of Ikaria.

This website provides its readers with information of tourist interest as well as a frequent update on the news, problems and news of the island. It refers to local traditions, festivals, feasts, customs, local production of products and much more.

Much to my surprise and satisfaction, the site is very popular today with over four thousand monthly visitors. Little by little, many of the readers began to show a great interest in the daily life of our small society and while taking into account the bad economic situation of Greece, they began to persistently ask if there was a way to help and offer to the beloved island.

So, after discovering how powerful a tool my website is, I decided to establish through the site the company “FRIENDS OF IKARIA“, to collect money for the schools and join the forces of volunteers making joint efforts!

Initially there was the question of whether it would be wise to support vulnerable families individually, but because the issue is so delicate, more alternative ways were pursued. So when various schools were closed in the winter of 2012 due to lack of oil, I thought of raising money for the Rahon Gymnasium/Lyceum (Rahes – because they are the only mountain schools on the island with the most cold) which also accommodates most of the children in the area.

So I uploaded various articles on my website about the oil shortage and teaching conditions in cold winters, and at the same time an overseas support account was opened.

The response was huge! I managed to collect a lot of money, which not only paid a part of the oil of the Rahon Gymnasium/Lyceum, but also strengthened the Primary schools and Kindergartens in Rahon.

In total, in the last few years, I have collected banners of €13,000 for 6 schools with about 250 students :-D

The contributions came mostly from my friends and relatives in Switzerland, but also some from Germany and Austria, from ordinary people, everyone offered what they could, from €20 to €500 at a time.

Last year we also managed to allocate money for the urgent building needs of the primary school of Christos Rahon, specifically for creating better access to the toilets for our youngest students, and then for the heating for all the other schools.

This year I decided to support Sports as well, because it is very important for the physical and mental health of young and old. That’s how I managed with a related article about athletics on the site and a personal match to collect

additional €4000 for the support of the A.G.S. Diagoras with about 200 athletes :-D

With this success I took courage and continue the practical support for our beautiful island. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supports my effort!

Ursula Kastanias – Ursula Kastanias, Raches, Ikaria

Find me in our shop in Christo Rahon and on Facebook

Because the website “Ursula’s Ikaria” offers, beyond its social work, a lot of knowledge about life on our island, but also a lot of useful information for visitors >>> if you have German-speaking friends, clients, acquaintances, etc. but also if you yourself know German, I encourage you to visit www.ikaria.ch and spread the word, thus helping directly or indirectly to expand the action to support the society of Ikaria.

You are also welcome – if you know German – to actively participate on the page by sending me your own articles, photos, ideas, etc.! I am grateful for any information from all over the island.