WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian Relief Society, Inc., joined Dorcas Aid in an effort to assist the victims of the famine in the Horn of Africa.
The worst drought in more than half a century has hit parts of Eastern Africa affecting more than 10 million people. Especially hard hit are the Somali refugees who are crossing into Ethiopia at the rate of 1,600 to 2,000 a day, who are arriving in refugee camps malnourished, dehydrated and exhausted after having walked for days or in certain cases weeks. More than 125,000 already crossed the border into Ethiopia.
“As an international non-profit organization, we are obligated to assist human beings in distress. Having people facing famine in the 21st century is unthinkable for us, therefore we have decided to join the efforts of Dorcas Aid and other organizations to try to alleviate the suffering of women and children facing starvation,” said Vicky Marashlian, chairperson of the ARS, Inc. Central Executive Board. “We have labeled our initiative ‘Help us help the starving population,’ therefore we call on everybody to make donations online, through our Web site or through ARS entities worldwide to ease the pain of as many individuals as we can,” she concluded.
“I really appreciate this thoughtful gesture on behalf of the Armenian Relief Society. I look forward for a spirit of cooperation. Our common goal is to serve people less fortunate. May God bless the ARS endeavors and efforts,” wrote Dikran Youmoushakian, Executive Director of DorAid America, in response to the ARS, Inc.’s decision to join the efforts of Dorcas Aid.
Dorcas Aid and DorAid America representatives had visited the ARS, Inc. International Office in Boston during July 2011 and the two non-profit organizations had agreed to cooperate in the implementation of humanitarian and development projects.
Dorcas Aid International is a Christian relief and development organization serving needy communities in 20 countries around the world, including Armenia. DorAid America is the partner organization in New Jersey.
2010 marked the Centennial of the Armenian Relief Society, the oldest Armenian humanitarian women’s organiztion, which currently has chapters in 27 countries. Donations may be made by visiting the ARS Web site.
