In an evening filled with inspiration, emotion and meaningful impact, United Rescue Cyprus, a pioneering volunteer emergency response system, was formally launched at a powerful charity gala featuring international opera stars who captivated the audience.

Yet the event was more than a launch, it was a living testament to the power of unity and selfless giving. Held on May 30, 2025 at Monte Caputo in Limassol, the charity gala was organised by the LETSHELP Foundation and Maxim Pasik, with production support from BEAT Entertainment. The event was held to support charitable initiatives throughout Cyprus.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds and sponsorships will go toward strengthening United Rescue Cyprus – funding essential training programmes, emergency medical equipment and the expansion of its volunteer network. Support will also be extended to LETSHELP, a foundation dedicated to uplifting individuals and families in need, by addressing urgent social and health challenges impacting them.

It was a deeply touching moment when 50 medics from GMI stepped onto the stage in their orange uniforms, standing proudly beside Professor Dr Nikolaos Zamboglou. Their presence together was a strong and meaningful symbol of their shared commitment to society, compassion and service.

Pasik warmly thanked Zamboglou for the important role he plays in United Rescue Cyprus and for the inspiration he brings to the entire medical team through his dedication and vision.

The night’s musical programme featured legendary Italian tenor Alessandro Safina and acclaimed dramatic baritone Konstantin Rittel-Kobylianski, accompanied on piano by Ella Pasik. All three artists expressed how honoured and moved they were to contribute to such a significant effort.

The gala was held under the auspices of the First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides. Welcoming the event, the First Lady warmly congratulated United Rescue Cyprus and wished them every success in their important work. The evening was also honoured by the presence of Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou.

Maxim Pasik, Executive Chairman & President and Founder of United Rescue Cyprus and Vice President of the LETSHELP Foundation, introduced the organisation’s vision, describing the evening as a “profound demonstration of the power of unity and compassion”.

“The generosity of the public, through donations, reminds us that ‘whoever saves one life, saves the entire world’,” he stressed, inviting every company and citizen to become a member and support the cause.

“United Rescue Cyprus is more than an initiative, he continued. “It is a nationwide movement, a union of communities across Cyprus with a shared mission to protect and support one another. Tonight, we proved that when we stand together, we can save lives and transform this island for the better. Support United Rescue Cyprus and become real heroes. Because saving lives isn’t just for first responders. It’s something we can all do, together.”

The United Rescue Cyprus Founder also took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to all emergency services personnel across Cyprus, who work tirelessly around the clock to save lives.

The first 70 volunteers of United Rescue Cyprus, made up of rescuers, doctors and active members of civil society, also made an appearance at the event.

One of the most moving moments of the night came from Amir Hashlamon, a Muslim volunteer with United Rescue of Israel, who shared how he helped save the lives of Jewish people in just 90 seconds – a testament to the organisation’s mission of saving lives regardless of religion, race or background.

During the event, the innovative concept of the ambucycles was also presented, and Exness, bbf:, along with Maxim Pasik, in honour of his father, proceeded with the donation of an ambucycle to the organisation, thus actively contributing to the support of its mission.

Speeches continued with co-founders of United Rescue Cyprus.

Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Zamboglou, CEO of the German Medical Institute of Cyprus, Co-Founder and Board Member of United Rescue Cyprus, remarked: “Public healthcare systems in many countries struggle to provide first aid in those crucial early minutes. Since the time of Henry Dunant, volunteerism has filled that gap, offering real help where the state cannot reach.”

Soteris Pittas, Managing Director of Soteris Pittas & Co LLC and Magnumserve Ltd, Founder and Vice President of the LETSHELP Foundation, Co-Founder and Board Member of URC of United Rescue Cyprus, added: “Tonight, through the power of music, we brought people together to support the start of a vital mission – a mission that will truly save lives. As a founding partner of United Rescue Cyprus, LETSHELP, is honoured to stand at the forefront of an initiative that will not only enhance our emergency response but also nurture a culture of active volunteerism. United, we can create a network of heroes in every corner of Cyprus.”

Petr Valov, Founder and CEO of Exness Global Ltd, and Co-Founder of United Rescue Cyprus shared: “There are few better ways to contribute to Cyprus society than to be a part of the United Rescue Cyprus first-aid responder network. We call upon all companies to join so that we together can make Cyprus even better.”

Vadim Romanov, CEO and Founding Partner bbf:, and Co-Founder of United Rescue Cyprus, stated: “At bbf:, we believe that real estate is about more than buildings. It’s about building a better future for the communities we serve. As a founding supporter of Rescue Cyprus, we are proud to stand behind an initiative dedicated to saving lives and strengthening the social fabric of our island. This concert is more than a celebration. It’s a call to action. Together, we can Build a better future for Cyprus.”

Distinguished figures from the diplomatic community were also present, including the Ambassadors of India and Israel, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy Nicosia, as well as representatives of local government, such as Mayor of East Limassol, Kyriakos Xydias, and Deputy Mayor of Limassol, Demos Katsis.

The evening’s success was made possible thanks to the generous support of Exness Global, as Diamond Sponsor, as well as an esteemed roster of sponsors, which included: Platinum Sponsors – BBF Global, BrainRocket, Maxim Pasik, LETSHELP, Soteris Pittas & Co LLC, Magnumserve, Maxbet Entertainment Group, Char. Pilakoutas Group, Primecap Cyprus, T.M. Beauty Brand, the Hospitality Sponsor Amara Hotel, Gold Sponsors – Help2Live, DeleMa McCann, Lanuria, Finstella, Property Gallery, and more.

United Rescue Cyprus

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