The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Sybille” Detroi Chapter recently sent another shipment of infant and children’s clothing and supplies to Nork Mangadoon, a home for children in Yerevan that currently houses 75 children, from newborns to those 5 years of age.
The shipment was made possible through the generosity of Helen Mempreian Movsesian, who underwrote a similar shipment through the chapter last year. Movsesian has made the donations in memory of her beloved mother, Verjin Mempreian, who herself was orphaned at the tender age of five during the Armenian Genocide, and lived in orphanages in Greece and Egypt. “It was my mother’s wish to help orphans like her,” Movsesian said. Verjin Mempreian was a dedicated and longtime member of the ARS in Detroit.
How did the Sybille Chapter become involved in sending aid to Armenia? In 2000, several chapter members who had visited Armenia and Karabagh came together to share their stories and experiences of the very difficult conditions facing Armenians there. The children, especially, were the most vulnerable and needy of all. The chapter decided to help, and “The Millennium Project: Aid an Orphanage in Armenia” was started by a generous donation from chapter member Anahid Kachadoorian in memory of her husband, Garabed. Today, the chapter administers the Garabed Kachadoorian Orphan’s Fund, using its resources to continue helping orphans in Armenia.
Over the past 11 years, a total of 8 shipments have been sent to orphanages and children’s homes in Armenia. In addition to clothing, shipments include playpens, quilts, blankets, bed linens, diapers, towels, cleaning supplies, and hygienic items. The shipment of these sorely needed items was coordinated through the United Armenian Fund, of which the ARS Eastern USA is a co-sponsor.
For more information, visit www.arseastus.com.
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