Serendipity - a delightful sounding word with a delightful meaning. Serendipity is the effect by which a person accidentally discovers something fortunate while looking for something else entirely.

A word I would certainly apply to the vigilante group formed on 14th of April1999, the vision of Gerasimos Giftakis. It all started when Gerasimos, a goldsmith, became the victim of a burglary at his town shop. There had been a spate of similar break-ins around the town and thefts were estimated to total sixty-five million drachma, the equivalent to 170,000 Euros. He had an idea to create a group of ‘watchmen’ who would carry out surveillance and, in conjunction with the police could help catch the criminals. Through word of mouth, charismatic Gerasimos enlisted ninety-four voluntary crime-fighters. The partnership was a huge success, within the space of four months sixty offenders were caught and the burglaries ceased. The vigilance committee had achieved their goal, their work done or was it? As a group, the individuals were purposeful; could their usefulness serve the island in other ways?

The group considered that there were three areas that have the potential to endanger life; earthquakes, forest fires and the sea – a task force that could be of use in these areas, supporting the existing services would be immensely beneficial to the islanders. The voluntary rescue team was born.

Currently there are 365 registered volunteers who are prepared to give up their own time to assist the island and the community in whatever way they can. A mix of young people through to professionals from all walks of life; they comprise three rescue teams covering earthquake, fire and sea duties. The sea rescue squad are all experienced divers; they supply their own equipment, including the boat! Working closely with the coastguard, summer is the most active time when more people are on the water.

Summer is also the busiest time for those volunteers on fire duty. This involves patrolling the mountains day and night looking for the beginnings of fires, their presence acts as a deterrent to arsonists whilst providing assistance to the fire department. One of the volunteers is a pilot; his private plane facilitates sea and fire scouting. Team members are also briefed with emergency earthquake procedures in the rare event of a serious phenomenon.

Gerasimos Giftakis chairs a structured committee board of seven who meet monthly to report and co-ordinate activities. The rescue team has no central funding and relies entirely on the member’s donations and their own equipment. Without the financial and moral support of the volunteers there would be no island rescue team.

Complicated legislative laws hinder government funding despite a series of civic awards in recognition of the organisations duties to the people of Zakynthos. Beneficiaries for the cause are highly sought, as are volunteers. Volunteers from any nationality are welcome though they must have a good understanding of the Greek language, they need to posses a reasonable fitness level, have a good knowledge of the island and, importantly be committed to the organisation.
If you would like to know more about the organisation or to join, telephone: +30 26950 23835 or email: gift-ger@otenet.gr