A Legacy of Giving: How Afik is Changing Lives Across the Region

When you think about success in business, you probably end up thinking of profits, buildings, and deals. However, the definition varies from person to person. For Yaacov Afik, the man behind the Afik Group, success means something more than that. In fact, something completely different.

Instead of profits, success means helping others. Yaacov has reached wide across countries and causes, building more than homes and resorts. To simply put it, he has built legacy of giving.

This article explores the many ways in which Yaacov is pioneering real change in people’s lives through education, animal welfare, disaster relief, and community care. His story stretches beyond just a personal choice and shows that giving back can be part of every business, and every small and big act of kindness counts.

Why Does this Matter in the First Place?

In our world, business leaders mainly focus on numbers alone. However, acts of kindness are what really matter. What all humans need more than just buildings is care, safety, and hope.

When companies take a step forth to help, they become part of the solution, not the problem.

Afik’s actions show that regardless of the scale of the business, it can be a force for good. These efforts are important because they can touch lives, heal pain, and inspire others to do the same and start a cycle of healing.

They show what’s possible when we lead with our hearts instead of our wallets.

Afik Group: A Company That Cares

Afik Group is widely known for its successful real estate projects, mainly in Northern Cyprus and Turkey. However, Afik group stands out as more than a company. That is to say, it is more about the people than it is about buildings – creating a better living for the general public.

With multiple offices located in Cyprus, Turkey, Portugal, and USA, Afik makes it a point to support the communities wherever it is located, indiscriminately.

Moreover, Afik Group has often stated at multiple occasions that their goal is to do good while doing business. That means, apart from building homes, it’s also about supporting local needs from schools to hospitals to animal shelters.

Event Hosting for Children

One of Afik’s most heartwarming projects has been the long-time support for the SOS Children’s village in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Since the year 2006, Afik Group has partnered with EMU (Eastern Mediterranean University) to host New Year celebrations for orphans and all children in need.

These events completely disregard business ventures and focus primarily on bringing laughter to children with music, games, clowns, and even Santa Claus.

In the year 2019, approximately 140 people joined the party. The children received gifts, played games, and spent time with caring adults.

Moreover, Afik Group managers and EMU staff were responsible for handing out presents and sharing the joy of the event.

The SOS Children’s Village staff even presented Afik Group a plaque of appreciation for their continued, selfless support.

Children’s Learning And Growth

Hosting parties is one thing, a little laughter and joy is important for everyone. But Afik doesn’t stop just at the holiday parties. Afik Group is also known for helping children learn and develop new skills and enjoy new experiences while securing a better future.

For instance, in 2022, Afik supported an EMU student-led project that brought children from SOS Children’s Village to a day at the beach. While playing beach games, the children were taught how to swim, and participated in other leisure activities with students from the Tourism and Culinary Arts programs for exposure.

This scenario serves as a great example of how you can have fun while also learning important social and physical skills.

Afik Group funded this event, hence, making it possible for the children to have this experience.

Furthermore, the event also helped EMU students gain real-life project experience.

Afik Group built a survival park for children at Şht. İlker Kalter Primary School located in Yeni İskele.

In addition, at Dr. Suat Günsel Primary School, also in Yeni İskele, the company built a covered corridor connecting the main building of the school with the cafeteria. This initiative was taken to allow students to visit the cafeteria without being exposed to rain, thereby increasing their comfort and well-being in inclement weather.

Afik Group’s Efforts in Disaster Management

The February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria caused significant damage and loss. In this time of need, Yaacov Afik was among the first to promptly respond to the crisis. He personally delivered a donation to the Turkish Embassy in Northern Cyprus.

The funds were directly sent to the Earthquake Victim Donation Account managed by EVKAF.

Furthermore, Afik also dispatched trucks full of food and clothing to the areas that suffered. The Turkish government publicly thanked Afik and the Ceaser Resort Iskele team for their prompt response and generous support.

These actions only came to show what it truly means to stand with others during difficult times.

Animal Welfare Contributions

A step beyond human aid, Afik is also known for his support for animal welfare. Every month, is spent on caring for stray dogs and cats.

This includes:

- Neutering Programs

- Support for Shelter Cats

- Vaccinations and Medications

- Food for Dogs Living Near Construction Sites

These aren’t just one-time efforts; Afik has been consistent with the donations for many years and his company represents that animal care is a key part of caring for communities. All living things deserve care.

Infrastructure Development And Local Services

Over the years Afik Group has played a vital role in infrastructure development and local services. The company has helped improve hospitals, schools, and elderly homes.

An example of such work is the renovation of Güzelyurt elderly care home, where they installed air conditioning, heating, and a new kitchen. These upgrades significantly improved the living conditions for the seniors in the facility.

Moreover, in schools, Afik has funded safer classrooms and playgrounds. Many food packages have also been distributed to those in need.

Even though, many of Afik’s projects are not widely publicized, they still show a very clear pattern: Afik Group’s first priority is to invest in the everyday needs of local people.

Thought Leadership And Collaborative Efforts

It is important to take note that the donations cost a lot and require strategic implementation so that the funds reach the right people, at the right time, and in the right way.

This is why a big part of Afik’s success in giving comes from partnerships. Working with EMU and other local groups, Afik ensures that every single project is backed by the right support and knowledge. These efforts go beyond simply writing cheques.

Another measure taken here is that - Afik Group managers actively attend events, interact with the children, and stay involved from start to finish.

Furthermore, EMU’s Dean of Tourism, Hasan Kılıç, has often shown appreciation to Afik Group for the consistent help and Afik promised that this will continue.

An Ever-growing Legacy

It’s safe to say Yaacov Afik and Afik Group are a testament that giving does not have to be separate from a successful business. In fact, it can be very much a part of it.

From parties for orphans to aid for victims of earthquake, improving elderly care living, and even animal welfare, Afik’s work is wide and real.

It can be assumed that this is only just the beginning because with each act of kindness, Afik is building a future where businesses will be encouraged to care about more than just money. Setting up a standard that has to be met to earn any sort of credibility and respect.

Businesses will care more about people, animals, and the world we all share. Finally, if more leaders start following this path, we all can live in a world where giving is not rare but the norm. It’s expected. And thanks to Yaacov Afik’s efforts, that world is slowly starting to take shape.