AYF Urges Community Support for Armenia Fund Telethon 2011

GLENDALE – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region on Monday urged its national membership and the Armenian-American community to support the 2011 “A Gift of Water.  A Gift of Life” Armenia Fund Telethon on Thanksgiving Day, November 24.

Similar to last year, the telethon’s fundraising efforts in 2011 are directed toward developing the infrastructure needed to deliver much-needed water to the people of Artsakh.

The shortage of water is a serious problem in Artsakh, still affecting more than 30,000 people.  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.

“The development of Artsakh is among the most important priorities of the Armenian nation,” said AYF WR Chairman David Arakelyan. “Our parent’s generation made huge sacrifices for Arstakh to become free and independent.  It is our generation’s responsibility to create the necessary conditions for people to have a dignified life on their land.”

The independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is considered to be among the greatest accomplishments of the Armenian people over the past century and a welcomed reversal of a long-standing trend of subjugation and oppression.

“Though many problems have been solved over the past two decades, there is still a lot to be done to ensure the viability and longevity of both Armenian republics,” said Arakelyan, stressing that the Diaspora needs to do everything it can to improve the conditions of people living on the land in both Artsakh and Armenia.

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 of the Armenia Fund.  Like many organizations, the AYF will also be making a contribution to this year’s Telethon, and we encourage all of our members and the community at large to do the same” added Arakelyan. “We are confident that with your help, we will strengthen 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.

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.