Despite Greece's financial woes, citizens all over the country participated with great enthusiasm in a marathon fundraiser which started early on Monday morning and lasted until late at night, aimed at supporting financially relief efforts in Haiti.

Expressing their solidarity with people who still suffer because of the devastating earthquake which caused so many deaths, injuries, pain and destruction in the far away country, Greeks raised more than 1.5 million euros (US$2.139 million) in one day.

The fundraiser was organized by the local Unicef Bureau and private television and radio stations with the support of Greek politicians, artists, athletes and citizens of all ages.

Greeks, who know well the horror of a devastating earthquake, since strong tremors have hit the country more times than any other European state throughout its history, causing deaths, always show sympathy to victims of earthquakes, donating all possible help.

Greek citizens were moved by Haiti's tragedy for one more reason -- Haiti was the first country worldwide which recognized Greece as an independent state in the early 19th century.

(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2010)