On 26–27 September 2026, ultrarunner Panagiotis Mikrogiannakis will run 246 km
from Athens to Sparta, in under 36 hours, for animals rescued from Greece’s wildfires.
Hundreds of animals survived the fires. Now they need our help.
Every donation is matched and doubled by the Calilo Foundation
The Calilo Foundation will double the total amount raised. Your donation will have twice the impact.
Every animal arriving at a Dogs’ Voice disaster station receives veterinary care on intake — including a clinical assessment, microchip check, deparasitisation and bloodwork. The stations operate 24 hours a day with trained volunteers, and veterinary costs are covered under a zero-risk policy, so no animal is turned away because of cost.
This year’s wildfires have dramatically increased the number of animals needing rescue, treatment and ongoing support. When fires swept through western Attica and Boeotia in August, Dogs’ Voice established rescue stations in Vilia and Megara and helped more than 280 animals to safety.
In one operation, 12 dogs were rescued from a house that was completely destroyed by fire just minutes later. Many animals have since been reunited with their families. Others remain in foster care, receiving veterinary treatment, or waiting for a permanent home.
The veterinary bills are substantial, and recovery takes time. This fundraiser will help cover the urgent medical costs of animals traumatised and injured by the wildfires — from emergency treatment and medication to hospital care and ongoing veterinary support — giving them the safe, supported recovery they need after what they have endured.
Dogs’ Voice is a Greek non-profit organisation founded in 2015 to protect stray animals and provide support during natural disasters. Since 2017, it has been on the front line of Greece’s major animal rescue operations, responding to 10 crises and helping more than 3,000 animals.
After fires and floods, Dogs’ Voice sets up reception stations for affected animals and takes responsibility for their care — including veterinary treatment, medication, food, training and foster support — until they can find a safe, permanent home.
In 2026, Dogs’ Voice created Greece’s first dedicated animal rescue team to join the Civil Protection organisations register, strengthening its ability to respond to animals in emergencies and train volunteer rescuers across the country.
Beyond disaster response, Dogs’ Voice supports 132 animal welfare organisations across Greece, helping build a stronger network of people protecting animals in need.
Founded in 2015 to protect stray animals in Greece
10 crises managed · 3,000+ animals helped
First animal rescue team on the Civil Protection register
Care until every rescued animal finds a home
This is what your donation helps provide: urgent veterinary care, medical treatment, medicine, specialised food,
and a safe place to recover… whether in a shelter or with a volunteer foster family.
This August, Dogs’ Voice was on the fire line in western Attica and Boeotia: rescue vans in the smoke,
stations running through the night, and animals of every kind brought to safety. These photographs are taken by their team.
Rescue van on the fire line
A moment of safety after the fire
Dogs brought out as the fire closed in
Wildfire Survivor
Dogs’ Voice rescue team
No animals left behind
Every life mattered
Every life’s worth protecting
A Long Road to Recovery…
The Calilo Foundation was founded on a simple belief: when we come together with kindness and a shared commitment to do good, we can create meaningful change — for people, animals, communities and nature.
The Foundation supports initiatives that create positive social, environmental and humanitarian impact, working with organisations and communities to turn compassion into action. From protecting the environment and supporting local communities to backing causes that reach far beyond Greece, the belief is simple: that kindness grows when it is shared, and that together, we can turn it into meaningful change.
Animals are a cause we support wholeheartedly. When disaster strikes, organisations like Dogs’ Voice are there for animals who have nowhere else to turn. We are proud to stand alongside them and support their work, because every animal deserves care, protection, and the chance to recover and heal.
For this Spartathlon campaign, every donation is matched and doubled by the Calilo Foundation.
The Spartathlon runs from Athens to Sparta, 246 km in under 36 hours, following the ancient route of Pheidippides. It is one of the world’s most gruelling ultramarathons. Runners cross rough tracks and steep hillsides and, in the dead of night, climb 1,200-metre Mount Parthenio.
Hundreds of runners start, but only a few make it all the way to King Leonidas in Sparta.
On 26–27 September 2026, Panagiotis will take on those 246 kilometres — running for the animals in the care of Dogs’ Voice.
Panagiotis Mikrogiannakis started running in 2015. He could not complete a single lap of the track. From that first step, he dreamed of finishing the 246 kilometres of the Spartathlon.
From his first marathon on the authentic course — entering the Panathenaic Stadium in tears — the road included the Byzantine Race (50km), Kronio Passage (70km), Gyra Manis (80km), Tracks of Heroes (102km), Euchideios Athlos (107km), Psatha 100km, Dromos Athanaton (142km), and 24-hour races with a best of 204km.
In 2024, he reached Sparta for the first time, injured over the final 60 kilometres, taking the next step even when he did not know if he could finish.
This year, Panagiotis wanted his Spartathlon to mean something beyond a personal finish. He grew up with a deep love and respect for animals, and chose to dedicate these 246 kilometres to their protection.
He wanted a Foundation whose philosophy and way of working matched his own… that is how this collaboration with the Calilo Foundation began, and why every donation goes to Dogs’ Voice.
“If these 246 kilometres can be a reason for people to care, to help, to adopt, or simply to look at an animal with a little more respect and love, then this year’s race will have meant far more than another finish line.”
“I will take my steps all the way to Sparta. If you wish, you can take a small step with me.”
Sponsor a kilometre
€50 = 1km sponsored → matched by Calilo → €100 to Dogs’ Voice
Kai was a stray in Megara, pulled from the fire. Mary, a member of the Dogs’ Voice rescue team, carried him in her arms — he had gone completely still. He was brought to the station for fire-affected animals in Vilia, then transferred to a clinic. His condition was critical.
He fought his own battle. And he made it.
Kai tested positive for leishmaniasis and ehrlichiosis. Treatment began, but his health worsened: he needed fluids and another stay in clinic. Weeks later, he is finally strong again. He is beginning to leave the worst behind… and he is smiling.
Kai is still here, with the team that saved him. He continues his treatment, and day by day he is trying to put what he lived through behind him. He is still looking for his person: someone who will choose him for who he is, and start the most beautiful journey with him.
This is what the fundraiser is for… the long fight after the rescue, until an animal like Kai is finally home.
Just rescued
With Mary, at the station
Recovering
Kai today
These animals have survived the fire. Now, they need us to help them heal.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone supporting this fundraiser.
— Calilo Foundation
