The annual Detroit area Walk Armenia event hosted by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) took place on a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon on June 8 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market in suburban Detroit. Walkers began arriving at 2 p.m. Infants, toddlers, school-age youth, and their parents and grandparents each received bright apricot-colored T-shirts bearing the ARS logo on one side and the words “#SaveKessab” on the front. ARS volunteers gave out snacks, drinks, and small American and Armenian flags. Walkers were also given informational brochures to give out to the public.
Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, offered a blessing to the more than 130 walkers before they began their 2-mile walk at 3 p.m. The enthusiasm and camaraderie of young and old grew as they began walking and singing “Mer Hairenik.”
The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit ARS programs in Armenia; the #SaveKessab/Syrian Armenian Relief Fund; and Gleaners Community Food Bank of southeastern Michigan. One of many similar events spearheaded by the ARS in the U.S., Walk Armenia Detroit made a difference for these charities.
The five sister chapters of Detroit—“Maro,” “Sybille,” “Zabel,” “Shakeh,” and “Tzolig”—sponsored Walk Armenia, which has become an annual event anticipated by the community at large. To learn more, visit www.Facebook.com/ArmenianReliefSocietyDetroit.
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