GYUMRI (Public Radio of Armenia) — Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Tigran Hamasyan, and many others have joined a fundraising campaign for families in Gyumri. Photographer Hayk Barseghyan who is one of the authors of the initiative told reporters today that they have found alternative ways to raise funds.
Having a house has become a sacred dream for many families in Gyumri that have been living in temporary dwellings for 27 years now.
A photo story was created about three years ago to draw attention to the issue. The photos were even posted on the pages of the National Geographic, but the initiative failed to bring the desirable results.
Barseghyan said they tried to find a different solution to the issue. They organized a fund-raising campaign on the British Crowdfunder website earlier this year to help 13 most vulnerable families. All families would have homes, had 120,000 Armenians donated £1 each.
Barseghyan told reporters today that the sum of what was collected so far was only enough for just one house. However, eventually after different methods, he added that they have worked out a comprehensive program of events to the initiative. In particular, personal items of famous Armenians will be put on sale at a charity auction expected in a few days. Wrestler Arsen Julfalakyan, footballer Mkhitaryan and many others have joined the initiative.
In addition world-famous pianist Tigran Hamasyan will perform an hour-long concert in Gyumri to benefit the families in need.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Gyumri Fundraising Initiative Receives Additional Help