GLENDALE–The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region on Monday urged its national membership and the Armenian-American community to support the 2010 ‘Water is Life’ Armenia Fund Telethon on Thanksgiving Day, November 25.
This year, the telethon’s fundraising efforts are directed toward developing the infrastructure needed to deliver much-needed water to the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic).
The shortage of water is a serious problem in Artsakh, affecting more than 70,000 people living in 200 villages. On average, each family spends 40% of their daily lives carrying water from a source 2-5 miles away. That water is not always clean and 88% of all diseases are related to tainted drinking water.
“Strengthening Artsakh is among the most important goals of the Armenian nation,” said AYF WR Chairman Arek Santikian. “This vital piece of the historic Armenian homeland was liberated through the valiant struggle and enormous sacrifice of our brothers and sisters and we should do everything possible to secure its survival.”
The independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is considered to be among the greatest accomplishments of the Armenian people people over the past century and a welcomed reversal of a long trend of subjugation and oppression.
But today, more than 100,000 acres of agricultural lands in Artsakh are dry due to the lack of irrigation water and people in the villages are unable to grow crops and have incomes. Water is a serious economic engine and the driving force behind agriculture. Armenia Fund’s pilot projects in the Tavush region of Armenia have proven that every $1 invested in improved water access yields an average of $12 in economic returns.
“Our struggle is not over yet,” said Santikian, stressing that the community needs to do everything it can to improve the living conditions of every-day people living on the land in Artsakh.
A contribution to the Armenia Fund will empower the people of Artsakh and help the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic continue its state-building process, which began more than two decades ago through a unified effort of the Armenian nation.
“The AYF Central Executive urges all members to participate in the events and activities hosted by Armenia Fund and to donate whatever possible to bring water to communities across Arstakh,” exclaimed Santikian. “We are confident that with your help, we will strengthen our Artsakh and continue our quest to liberate the rest of our homeland.”
In Southern California, the Telethon can be seen on KSCI Channel 18, KVMD, ARTN/Shant and USArmenia networks for full 12 hours. In the Glendale/Burbank/Pasadena/La Canada areas in addition to ARTN/Shant (388) and USArmenia (386), the Telethon broadcast will be also shown on AABC (384), HighVision (381) and Horizon (385) Armenian TV channels. The live 12 hour webcast can be viewed at armeniafund.org.
Armenia Fund will also be hosting a benefit concert on Sunday, November 21 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, featuring Eva Rivas, Andre, Sofi Mkheyan, Razmik Amyan as well as six students of the Armenian State Theater of Song. Tickets are available by calling 818-265-0506, 626-449-7360 or 800-888-8897 as well as online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at $30 dollars. The proceeds from the concert will benefit Armenia Fund Telethon 2010 water projects in Artsakh.
Secure online donations to Armenia Fund’s international ‘Water is Life’ Telethon can be made by clicking here.
To donate $10 dollars through a text message, text “Armenia” to 50555.
To read Armenia Fund’s annual reports, which include detailed accounting and independent auditors’ report,click here.
So this is more for Armenians of America..?
I would like to donate some money for our people in Artsax in a secure way and be sure that that money goes to the people.
I live in Europe..
@Z You can make a secure online donation at: https://www.armeniafund.org/donate/donations.php
Every penny we spend is accounted for during two audits by Grant Thornton throughout the year and is reported in our annual reports. You can view previous annual reports here: http://himnadram.org/index.php?id=76
I visited the website, but then you are supposed to have a credit card/ visa or master.., which I don’t.
I have the regular card of my bank (dexia).
It would be better if you could show us the AF bank account number for donations and people all over the world could ask their bank to send money in their name to that account. Easy, secure.
Monetary transfers, depending on the currency, can be made to Armenia Fund’s following bank accounts:
Beneficiary:
Hayastan All Armenian Fund
AMERIABANK CJSC
2, V. Sargsyan Str. Yerevan Armenia
acc No 1570003715320100 (AMD)
acc No 1570003715320101 (USD)
acc No 1570003715320146 (EUR)
SWIFT: ARMIAM22
That is why, ALL Armenians should, must, and will unite this year worldwide to donate and help build the critical water irrigation lines that our brothers and sisters in Arstakh need to thrive! $20, $50, or even $100 will not kill anyone’s chances of becoming the next Warren Buffet plus you’ll feel great about it afterwards, so OPEN your wallets and skip a weekend out on the town for a great cause and put all of your irrational and falsely placed skepticism aside for a great cause, you’ll be glad that you did afterwards.
Artnaztek Hayotyoon, zter amenitz tangageen haroostyoone zter Hayrenikene yev zter Artzakhe, check merni yete $50 nevirek Teletonin.
I saw a picture of a Veterans’ cemetery the other day and underneath it said “No matter how much we give, is nothing compared to what they gave. They made the ultimate sacrifice”. The same could be said about our martyrs in Artsakh. They gave the most precious thing, their lives. So, give generously! Because “WATER IS LIFE”.
I would like to see the project aswel, what’s the plan? Are they going to build a plant that purifies water? New water pipelines to everyones houses.. And how much money is needed to realize all that?…
I’m gonna send money but
1. I want to see the project realized
2. I don’t want any compromise from the armenian side on our lands. We can’t back up an inch !!!