The online and phone fundraising campaign launched by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) earlier this month to aid Armenian communities affected by the deepening crisis in Syria has seen an overwhelming response, with more than $150,000 donations received in September. Support has poured in from all corners of the world to meet the growing needs of thousands of Armenian families in Aleppo, as well as in Damascus and Kamishli, where cautionary security measures are being taken.
In anticipation of medical emergencies, a clinic, dispensary and pharmacy, all managed by a nurse and doctor, are in place within the site and ready for utilization should the need arise. Moreover, if necessary, the AGBU-AYA committee has made arrangements with local hospitals to admit patients.
Across the country, a specially-formed AGBU Armenian Youth Association (AYA) Committee is overseeing recovery and preparedness activities in collaboration with a pan-Armenian network of local organizations, the Syria-Armenian Emergency Relief Committee. The AGBU chapter in Aleppo has mobilized more than 80 volunteers who are working to administer aid to more than 2,500 families in the city. Every day, food packages with staples such as cereal, cooking oil, dry meat, eggs, lentils, milk, potatoes, rice, sugar and wheat are being distributed to the hundreds of families arriving en masse at a local AGBU facility.
Food is one of the four areas of humanitarian aid that the AGBU is currently focused on, in addition to emergency response, healthcare and shelter.
AGBU’s on-the-ground relief humanitarian aid efforts, and the $1-million emergency fund set aside by the AGBU Central Board, are providing a safety net for scores of Armenians across Syria. Yet, as the conflict continues to escalate, the need is quickly out- pacing resources. The AGBU is appealing to Armenians worldwide to renew their pledges to those families in Syria, to provide them not only with provisions, but also with much- needed hope during this dire time.
You can also donate online at agbu.org/syriarelief/index.html. Donate by phone at 1-855-AID-AGBU (243-2428), or send checks to: AGBU, Syria Emergency Fund, 55 East 59th St., New York, NY 10022.
