As each year comes to a close, FAR’s Ayo! crowdfunding platform eagerly anticipates its annual holiday fundraiser to support children in need across the regions.
In 2024, Ayo! focused on making dreams come true for children displaced from Artsakh and now living in Sisian. Located about four and a half hours southeast of Yerevan, Sisian is home to FAR’s Syunik office, a vital hub for supporting displaced families.
Since the 2020 war, more than 200 families from Artsakh found refuge in Syunik. In 2023 alone, following the tragic final displacement of Armenians from Artsakh, another 267 families relocated to the greater Sisian area.
Syunik shares many similarities with Artsakh—the mountainous terrain, the food, and the customs. However, like Artsakh, it remains vulnerable due to its proximity to Azerbaijan on three sides. A strong, resilient population in Syunik is crucial for the region’s security and future.
At FAR, we are committed to ensuring that families who choose to settle in vulnerable and rural regions feel supported. Through economic empowerment, business development tools, and ongoing guidance, we help them build a brighter future. But at Christmastime, we simply strive to delight.
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." – Albert Einstein
Thanks to the generosity of many parishes in the Eastern Diocese, our Advent-season #ChristmasWishlist campaign brought festive Christmas trees and bikes to 269 children in Sisian, offering them a sense of joy and normalcy.
A special thank you goes to Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, Interim Director of Diocesan Ministries, and Yn. Hasmik Ajamian, Children and Family Ministry Specialist, for helping engage and involve Sunday schools throughout our Diocese.
“This Christmas Drive was a testament to the power of faith, community, and generosity,” said Fr. Hratch. “Its impact will be felt by these children for years to come. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference in the lives of the children of Artsakh.”
We are also grateful to the ACYOA chapters, priests, and parishes who hosted Ayo! team presentations and events. Together, these church communities raised over $20,000 to fund our #ChristmasWishlist, bringing much-needed holiday cheer to children who have faced so much adversity.
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