OREANDA-NEWS. February 09, 2011. In March 2011 50 Russian families that suffered as a result of last year’s freak heat wave will holiday in Cyprus. Around 200 villagers from fire-struck regions are to spend a week relaxing free of charge at a family hotel on the Cypriot coast courtesy of the Bank of Cyprus Group and Group member Uniastrum Bank, reported the press-centre of Uniastrum Bank.

The families, each badly affected by last summer’s forest fires, will enjoy a specially arranged week-long package that includes excursions to some of Cyprus’s most famous historic sites, sport and recreational activities, as well as an entertainment program. The list of participants was drawn up with the assistance of the Public Chamber of Russia, which last year did much to alleviate the plight of the stricken regions. Flights to and from Cyprus will be operated by Russian airline Transaero.

“Uniastrum Bank has long made it a matter of policy to play an active part in charity schemes and initiatives targeted at helping the more vulnerable sections of society,” says Uniastrum President Gagik Zakaryan. “Recognizing that business must show social responsibility, we believe it essential that we do what we can to assist people in need and do our bit to help solve social problems. By organizing a holiday for those badly hit by last summer’s devastating heat wave, we hope that a week spent away from it all on the friendly, welcoming island of Cyprus will allow them, if only for a short while, to take their mind off things and imbue them with greater optimism for the future.”