ARS Eastern USA ‘Regional Educational Seminar’ Attendees Connect with Artsakh Chapter

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—On Sat., April 9, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Providence “Ani” and “Arax” Chapters hosted the annual ARS Eastern USA Regional Education Seminar at the Aramian Auditorium in Providence.

The seminar, titled “The ARS in the 21^st Century: Opportunities and Challenges,” was open to ARS members and friends of the organization. Taline Daghlian, chairwoman of the ARS Eastern USA, gave opening remarks. “Since the outbreak of the Artsakh War at 2:30 a.m. on April 2, it was immediately clear, the need for this chance to connect with our dedicated ARS members half way around the world. And we will modify today’s seminar agenda to connect via Skype with the ARS Artsakh Chapter members around noon.”

During the 30-minute conference call, U. Svetlana, ARS Artsakh secretary, U. Artemis Gregoryan of the Soseh Kindergarten, and U. Karine Dadoyan, chair of the Artsakh Chapter, described the ARS’s relief efforts in Artsakh in detail. The members reported that the ARS has been at the forefront of relief efforts since day one, and have visited the wounded soldiers in the Stepanakert hospital with supplies. They’ve also provided food and clothing to families that were relocated to safety.

“Morale all around has been high,” said U. Artemis. “We must let you know how much just seeing you and having your support in this very moment means for us. We have been patiently waiting for our Skype conference call all day, and seeing you all makes us feel that our Ungerouhis are behind us and that together we will overcome any obstacles. We are thankful to you all, for your support and for your care.”

The ARS Artsakh members explained that the relief packets and supplies (like sugar and pasta) received from Armenia are distributed as soon as the cargo arrives. “This morning the new relief cargo, which included food, clothing, and water, arrived to the office, and ARS members personally took it to the villages and already distributed them.”

The Armenian Relief Society was established in 1910 in New York City to provide educational and humanitarian assistance to Armenians throughout the world. For more information, contact the ARS of Eastern USA office by calling (617) 926-3801. The ARS Eastern USA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To make a donation, visit http://arseastusa.org/donate/ or mail your donations to ARS Artsakh Relief Fund, ARS Eastern USA, Inc., 80 Bigelow Avenue, Suite 200, Watertown, MA 02472.

Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West