YEREVAN—On Aug. 5, ONEArmenia launched its new crowdfunding campaign in partnership with Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) to fund a Golden Wheat Festival in Vardenis, a small town located in the rural region of Gegharkunik.
Vardenis does not have a steady source of income and the motive of the Golden Wheat Festival is to grow and support the local economy. The average salary of a person in Vardenis is about 150 dollars, and fifty percent of the population is unemployed. Numerous local businessmen and women have been called upon to participate in the festival and sell their handmade goods, foods, crafts and beer, all made of wheat.
HDIF began organizing similar festivals several years ago. This summer the organization has planned the Sheep Shearing Festival in Halidzor, Taraz Fest in Old Arpeni Village, and the Shamshadin Honey and Berry Festival. These thematic events aim to enhance tourism in Armenian communities meanwhile celebrating local crafts and culture.
HDIF estimates that approximately three thousand guests will attend the Golden Wheat Festival in Vardenis. As a result of the festival it is also estimated that over ten small businesses will be activated within the area.
The Golden Wheat Festival will take place on September 20th in Vardenis. ONEArmenia’s #ONEBus will provide transportation to and from the festival. Anyone interested in taking the #ONEBus to Vardenis can reserve a space by contacting info@hdif.org.
The campaign launched by ONEArmenia and HDIF is due to last until September 5th. To support the initiative please visit ONEArmenia’s Indiegogo page!
Non-profit funding platform ONEArmenia was founded in September 2012 to stand with the change-making individuals and the organizations they represent, using social media and crowd-funding to involve anyone with an Internet connection in boosting projects that are geared toward making tangible changes in Armenia now. The ONEArmenia network makes it possible to not only raise money for a project based in Armenia as a worldwide community, but to also track the progress of said project with complete access to financial information.
Please visit the Indiegogo page for details on how to donate! http://onearmenia.org/projects/hdif/
Here is the indiegogo campaign https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-eco-tourism-small-businesses-in-armenia