John Christodoulou is the owner of Yianis Group, which has a portfolio of residential, hotel, retail and leisure properties in the UK and Europe.
However, it is his roots in Cyprus – and a childhood marked by displacement – that drive his philanthropic work. As Founder of the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation, he has channelled his own history into programmes supporting children, schools and communities. Here, he reflects on his personal journey and on initiatives that are still taking shape.
What drew you to create the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation and what is its core mission?
The reason I created the Foundation is personal. I was born in Cyprus and, as a child, I experienced displacement and insecurity after leaving my homeland. That stays with you. It makes you understand that a child needs safety, opportunities, encouragement and hope. Later, when I was blessed to build my business, I felt the need to give back in so many ways. So, the core mission of the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation is simple: to give children the chance to grow, learn, feel supported and reach their full potential. For me, everything begins with children. If we invest in children, we invest in the future of society.
What has been the most important lesson for you since setting up the Foundation?
The biggest lesson is that when you give, you receive much more than you give – not in money but in meaning, emotion, purpose and inner peace. In business, you can measure success in numbers. In philanthropy, you measure it in a child’s smile, in a teacher’s gratitude, in a school that becomes safer and brighter.
I have also learned that it is not enough to say nice words.
You must listen, understand the real need, act quickly and make sure that the support reaches the people it is meant to help.
What are some of the most significant activities organised by the Foundation?
I am proud of many initiatives, because each one has touched different groups of children. One unforgettable moment was in 2024, when Cyprus entered Guinness World Records history at the GSP Stadium by creating the longest alternating chain of people clasping wrists. More than 4,000 people, including children, parents, friends and public figures, came together. For me, it was about unity, teamwork and showing what Cyprus can achieve when we stand together. The initiative was followed by a free concert by the famous Greek artist Konstantinos Argyros for all the people who participated. Another major initiative was the “Love Cyprus” competition in 2023 for best photography and best video on Cyprus’ beauty, culture and tradition. More than 200 schools submitted over 600 projects, full of creativity, imagination and love for Cyprus. They became ambassadors of their own country.
We supported eight winning schools with €180,000 for projects that improved their school environments. This later became real action: tennis courts, outdoor play areas, calisthenics facilities, kiosks and interactive boards. This year, we held the national student video competition “Together We Stop Bullying”, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth and MHV Group. Bullying is a serious issue. We wanted children themselves to speak, create and become ambassadors for respect, empathy and schools without fear. To the six winning schools, we gave awards of €100,000 in total. Beyond these public initiatives, much of our work over the years is in schools and special schools: sensory rooms, playgrounds, shelters, educational equipment, sports facilities, classrooms and practical upgrades. These may not always make headlines but they change everyday life for children, teachers and families.
What does the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation hope to achieve in the coming years and what will that mean for Cyprus?
Our ambition is to continue building projects with long-term value. The next major step is the creation of a social wellbeing and innovation hub in the capital, on the property acquired opposite The Land-
mark Nicosia. This is not intended as a commercial project but as a long-term investment in Cypriot society. The vision is to create a living centre that can include co-working spaces, support for startups, makers’ spaces, educational programmes, workshops for young people, social entrepreneurship, family spaces, meeting areas, sports facilities, a market hall café and green areas. Most importantly, we want the younger generation to have a voice in shaping it. For Cyprus, this can become a place where education, innovation, family, social support and opportunity come together. Cyprus has talent. Our young people need spaces, encouragement and belief.
What would you say to entrepreneurs who may be considering some involvement in charitable work but haven’t yet taken the first step?
I would say: do not wait until everything is perfect. Start somewhere. Start with one school, one child, one family, one real need. You do not need to change the whole world in one day but you can change one person’s world. Entrepreneurs understand action and responsibility. These same qualities are needed in philanthropy. Wealth offers comfort but giving gives purpose. Success becomes more meaningful when it creates opportunities for others. Cyprus and children are in my heart. My message to other entrepreneurs is that giving back is not only a duty; it is a privilege. When you see the impact with your own eyes, you understand that the real reward is not what you gave but what you helped someone become.
This interview first appeared in the 2026 edition of The Cyprus Journal of Wealth Management. Click here to view it.
