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Projects with Underserved Communities: Greece 2024-2025

$7,418
49%
Raised toward our $15,000 Goal
75 Donors
Project has ended
Project ended on December 06, at 09:00 AM CST
Project Owners

Help Us Build a Playground for Kids in Vagiochori Refugee Camp in Thessaloniki, Greece!

Meet the PUC Greece Team!

Γειά σου! Hello! We are Team PUC Greece, a dedicated group of eight students from engineering and social work. Projects with Underserved Communities (PUC) is a longstanding partnership between the Cockrell School of Engineering and the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, launched in 2010. This program is designed to tackle the dual goals of addressing community needs and enriching student learning through hands-on, service-based projects.

This year, our project in Greece is especially close to our hearts. Together, we are designing and building a community-centered playground—a safe, inspiring space where children can play, explore, and grow. By blending engineering ingenuity with social work insights, we’re creating an environment that will serve not just as a playground but as a lasting resource for the community, fostering joy, learning, and connection for years to come.



What Are We Fundraising For? 

We are fundraising to bring our vision for a new playground at the Vagiochori Refugee Camp in Greece to life! Every dollar raised will directly fund the construction of the playground, including the removal of the existing, outdated structure and the installation of safe, engaging equipment for over 150 children to enjoy. Our goal is to provide a space where kids can experience the joy of play, social interaction, and growth in a safe environment that fulfills the needs of every child in the camp.

Additionally, we’re seeking support to work with a technical advisor who can guide us in using AutoCAD for precise designs and teach us essential drainage techniques to ensure our playground is sustainable and functional. To deepen our impact, we’ll also partner with a cultural advisor who will serve as our translator, helping us communicate effectively within the camp and navigate the local culture in Thessaloniki.

All funds raised will go strictly toward the project, directly impacting the refugee community and creating a meaningful, lasting resource for the children and families!

Current Playground for 150 kids


Our Partner 

We are excited to be working with YMCA Greece, a dedicated NGO (non-governmental organization) that plays a critical role in our project at the Vagiochori Refugee Camp. NGOs like YMCA Greece work independently from the government to support communities and address social issues, often focusing on providing resources and advocating for those in need.

YMCA Greece, part of the global YMCA network, is committed to empowering and uplifting communities across Greece. They will be instrumental in our project, acting as our bridge to the Greece Ministry and the Vagiochori Refugee Camp, helping us understand and meet the needs of the camp’s residents. YMCA Greece will guide us in connecting with the community, relaying what the camp desires from our playground project, and ensuring our efforts align with the hopes and needs of the children and families we’re here to serve. Their support and insights are invaluable, making them our greatest ally in making this playground a meaningful and lasting addition to the camp!


Vagiochori Refugee Camp

Your Impact 

Your donation has the power to bring our playground project to life, transforming an idea into a joyful reality for the children at Vagiochori Refugee Camp. Every contribution goes directly toward construction costs, from building new play structures to ensuring the space is safe, accessible, and ready for the kids to enjoy. By donating, you’ll make an incredible difference for these children, providing them with a space to play, grow, and simply be kids. Not only are you supporting a meaningful cause, but your generosity will have a lasting impact on over 150 young lives, giving them a safe and happy place to call their own. With your help, we can make this project possible.



Levels
Choose a giving level

$25

Supporter

Join our community as a Supporter! Your contribution of $25 helps us make a meaningful impact, funding essential programs and initiatives. Every dollar counts, and together, we can achieve great things!

$50

Superstar

Thank you for your $50 donation. Your support helps us expand our reach and impact more lives. As a superstar, you will gain access to further updates and details of our project as it develops!

$100

Hero

Thank you for your donation of $100! Your generosity plays a crucial role in driving our initiatives forward, and we’re excited to share our progress with you. As a hero-level donator, you will gain access to exclusive updates and content about our project as we develop it.

$250

Champion

Thank you for your leader level donation! You are playing a huge role in allowing this project to develop into fruition. Along with exclusive content of our developing project, as a Champion level donator, you will receive recognition on our HornRaiser page!

$500

Leader

Thank you for becoming a Leader with your $500 donation. As a leader in our fundraising efforts, you gain access to exclusive updates regarding our progress and receive a mention on our HornRaiser page and newsletter!

$1,000

Visionary

As a Visionary, you are leading our fundraising efforts and making this project possible. You will receive exclusive updates on our progress as well as an appreciative mention on our HornsRaiser page, newsletter, and Instagram!

$10,000

Showoff

You have just covered half of our project fundraising goal! With your help, the journey to Greece and completing this project is halfway done. As a top-level donator, you will receive a post on our HornRaiser and Instagram, as well as a mention in our newsletter. Thank you!

Our Crowdfunding Groups