NEWS

ARS Australia donates to Haiti Appeal

SYDNEY: The Armenian Relief Society Regional Committee of Australia (ARS Australia) has announced the provision of funds to assist the victims of the tragic Haiti Earthquake.

Nearly 100,000 people are feared to have died after a massive earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hit the impoverished Caribbean island of Haiti. Many thousands more are homeless.

ARS Australia, joining fellow chapters around the world, embarked on a campaign to raise funds, and this culminated in this week's announcement that ARS Australia will hand its collections to the associated Red Cross Appeal.

ARS Australia's Suzy Sarafian said: "It is our hope and prayer that the humble donations of our community will help as many of the victims and their families as possible."

She added: "In 1988, the people of Armenia suffered a devastating earthquake of our own, and the country's recovery should serve as a reason for hope for the people of Haiti."

The Armenian Relief Society is the oldest Armenian women's organisation, established in 1910 in New York City. Since its foundation, the ARS has provided educational and humanitarian assistance to people in need throughout the world. Today, the ARS has entities in 24 countries including Australia where members of the Society contribute to their communities and the larger world for the betterment of all humankind.