Helping Rebuild the Homeland: AYF Participates in Armenia Fund Telethon 2011

The Armenian Youth Federation participated in Armenia Fund’s annual “A Gift of Water, A Gift of Life” Thanksgiving Day Telethon this year, appearing on the day-long fundraising program, supporting the organization’s humanitarian efforts.

The annual telethon raises money from Armenians worldwide to fund large infrastructure development projects both in Armenia and Artsakh.

The AYF has always been a strong supporter of Armenia Fund. “The reasons behind why we donate are plain and simple,” explains AYF Central Executive Treasurer Sanan Haroun.

“Armenia and Artsakh belong to us and we must be active participants in the nation building process, whether we live in the Diaspora or the homeland,” she explained. “We hope that by doing so, we expand the resources available to make economic progress possible and better geared to benefit our people.”

This year marked the 14th anniversary of the Armenia Fund Telethon. Over the course of Armenia Fund’s overall 18 year history, the organization has implemented over $200 million worth of development projects throughout Armenia and Artsakh.

“Armenia Fund is the most tangible and transparent way for us as a community and as a nation to work together toward physically rebuilding the homeland,” said Allen Yekikian, a member of the AYF’s Central Executive body. “From building schools and hospitals to laying roads and waterways, Armenia Fund is on the ground in Armenia and Artsakh channeling the resources of our global nation into a focused endeavor to secure the future of our people.”

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian-American youth organization in the United States working to advance the social, political, educational, and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

Connect with Armenia Fund by following their blog at blog.armeniafund.org, to get project updates and to view photos and videos of the progress being made.