# Heraklion community volunteering initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/heraklion-community-volunteering-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-26T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

The Municipality of Heraklion has announced its 3rd Volunteering Festival, which is scheduled to occur from September 25 to 27 at Agia Aikaterini Square. Under the theme ‘All together a hug – The power of volunteering,’ the festival aims to promote awareness of volunteerism and connect social groups within the municipality.

The three-day event involves 25 different volunteer groups, associations, and social organizations. Each day focuses on a specific theme: volunteering that ‘saves,’ volunteering that ‘hugs,’ and volunteering that ‘protects.’ In addition to cultural performances by the Heraklion Municipal Philharmonic and various dance and musical acts, the festival includes a voluntary blood donation drive organized by AIMATOKRITI on September 26.

Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos officially opened the festival at Agia Aikaterini Square. During the opening, the Mayor emphasized that volunteering serves to protect and support the community rather than replace the duties of local government or institutional bodies. He stated that the municipality’s role is to provide opportunities, incentives, and connections while respecting the autonomy of volunteer groups, allowing them to develop freely for the common good.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Heraklion hosts 3rd Volunteering Festival

Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos opened the 3rd Volunteering Festival in Heraklion, featuring 25 local volunteer organizations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heraklion-hosts-3rd-volunteering-festival

### 2026-09-23: Heraklion Municipality to host 3rd Volunteering Festival

The Municipality of Heraklion will host its 3rd Volunteering Festival from September 25-27, featuring 25 organizations and cultural performances to promote social solidarity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heraklion-municipality-to-host-3rd-volunteering-festival

### 2026-08-28: Heraklion elderly care unit hosts summer event

The Archbishop of Crete attended a summer event at the ‘Panagia i Gorgoepeekoos’ Elderly Care Unit in Heraklion, featuring traditional music and dance for the residents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heraklion-elderly-care-unit-hosts-summer-event

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Cite as: Heraklion community volunteering initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/heraklion-community-volunteering-initiatives