The Armenian General Benevolent Union has raised more than two million dollars through a special fund to provide support to Lebanese Armenians. This was announced by the AGBU press office.
“Almost a week after the devastating explosion in Beirut, the AGBU Central Board immediately issued calls for donations across all communities worldwide to expedite assistance to Lebanese Armenians through a special relief fund. Thanks to the generous support immediately sent by benefactors and donors from around the world, more than one million dollars was raised during the weekend alone. The first million was doubled by AGBU Board of Trustees President Vache and Tamar Manoukian, who undertook an additional commitment to double all funds generated through these urgent efforts in the coming weeks.”
The first major donors, contributing 100,000 USD and more, were: Elie and Elzbieta Aklian (USA), Yervant Demirjian (USA), Haig and Elsa Titizian (UK), Nicole Koulajian (USA), Levon and Claudia Nazarian (USA), Joseph and Jenny Oughourlian (UK), Berj and Vera Sedrakian (USA), Sam and Silva Simonian (USA), Sinan and Anjel Sinanian (USA), and one anonymous donor (USA).
The AGBU expresses its gratitude to all benefactors, as well as to our wonderful donors, including young professionals and sympathizers living in various corners of the world.
“We are amazed by the impressive donations that have been growing in less than a week,” said AGBU President Berj Sedrakian. “It is through our combined strength that we can respond to the existing needs, thanks to the unprecedented volunteer activity of the AGBU Disaster Response unit.”
The AGBU appeals to the Armenian diaspora worldwide, calling for urgent and generous donations to throw a lifeline to their compatriots in Lebanon, which will help maximize the benefit of this opportunity to double donations.
Given the current difficulties associated with making donations by mail, we ask that donations be made online or by phone. Further information about the relief fund established at Citibank in New York and its objectives can be obtained from the website www.agbugiving.org/lebanon or by calling 212-319-6383 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. New York time). For wire transfers, write to the following email address: [email protected].
