The Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A. (ARS), Regional Executive board issued an appeal to mobilize its members and the community at large to contribute to the ARS Haiti Relief Fund and lend a hand to ongoing disaster relief efforts.

“The ARS feels the suffering of the Haitian people, especially since we experienced similar devastation after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia,” said Sossie Poladian, Chairperson of the ARS Regional Executive. She added, “Many of us, still remember the pain and anguish that we felt and how comforting it was to know that the world came to help the people of Armenia. It is our duty to help the Haitians who fell victim to a similar disaster.”

Since the ARS was founded a century ago, disaster relief has been one of its humanitarian missions. Earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes from Greece to Mexico to our own backyard in Louisiana have flung the ARS into relief efforts.

Our community is urged to be generous with donations, knowing that every donation small or large can make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering in their devastated nation.

Tax-deductible donations can be securely made on-line at www.arswestusa.org/donate or checks  payable to the "ARS of Western USA" can be mailed to ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive at 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812. The web donations default to “Haiti Relief Fund” and the checks need to indicate the same on the memo field.