AYF Glendale Donates $5,000 to Campaign for Artsakh Veterans

The Glendale “Roupen” Chapter gave the AYF’s “With Our Soldiers (WOS)” campaign a vital boost this past week with a generous donation of over $5000. The money will go toward treatments for veterans of the Artsakh war still grappling with combat injuries.

“Our azadamardiks are the heroes of our nation,” said Verginie Touloumian, Chair of the Glendale chapter. “They are the reason we enjoy our mountainous homeland and we feel obligated to prioritize their health. We want to make sure they know we are thankful for their dedication to our country.”

Following the AYF’s announcement of the WOS campaign, a series of fundraisers have been organized from the South Bay to San Francisco aimed at bringing greater attention and relief to veterans of the war.

However, even prior to the launch, the Glendale AYF had set its sight on aiding the cause of Artsakh. In the Fall of 2011, its general meeting passed a resolution calling for the chapter to set money aside for an emergency Artsakh Fund. Twenty percent of all profits gathered by the chapter throughout the fiscal year were to go toward this special fund.

When WOS was initiated, members felt the situation of the soldiers qualified as an emergency.  They decided to direct their funds toward helping those who are still suffering from the injuries of the war.

“In our opinion, this is the most pressing emergency today,” said Shoghak Kazandjian, a member of the Glendale Executive.  “The need of veterans is a very important issue and helping them through the Artsakh Fund is putting its intended purpose to use.”

Some of the main fundraising events the chapter held to gather money were a “Nerd”-themed Costume Party in November and a 35^th anniversary event in March marking the founding of the Glendale chapter.

AYF chapters, central councils, and community supporters will continue to organize fundraisers and gather donations for the campaign throughout the year, with treatments for veterans scheduled to begin this summer.

For more information about the WOS campaign and further efforts to aid veterans of the Artsakh war, visit www.WithOurSoldiers.com.