AYF Urges Community-Wide Support for Armenia Fund Telethon

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.