The ARS, Inc. receives a grant of 1.4 million Australian Dollars from the Government of Australia
The grant will serve to further the services provided by
the ARS Mother & Child Clinic in Akhourian, Gyumri
In a message dated October 14, 2007 and addressed to the Armenian National Committee of Australia, the Prime Minister of Australia John Howard granted the ARS, Inc. 1.432 million Australian Dollars “for sup¬port to the Gyumri Mother and Child Health Care Center”. The grant was ratified by the Australian government following a formal proposal presented by the Armenian National Committee of Australia.
The Prime Minister’s announcement was read by Federal Cabinet Minister Joe Hockey before 2000 Ar¬menian-Australians attending “Armenian Family Day – Rally for Genocide Recognition” at Eastwood Park on Sunday, October 14.
ARS Australia Chairperson, ungh. Suzy Sarafian welcomed the announcement, stating: "On behalf of 18,000 ARS members worldwide and the Armenian-Australian community, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for this significant funding announcement. This will help us expand our services and care for the health of mothers and infants in the Shirak Province of the Republic of Armenia”.
Mr. Varant Meguerditchian, President of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, joined the ARS in thanking Minister Hockey after the announcement.
ARS, Inc. Central Executive Board Chairperson ungh. Hasmig Derderian welcomed the grant. “Fol¬lo¬wing a grant of $275 thousand by the Lincy Foundation, the grant by the Australian government will enable the ARS not only to sustain the Akhourian Mother and Child Clinic for years to come but also to expand its activities by adding surgical and specialist equipment, ambulatory and much needed other medical services to the existing ones”.
The ARS was established in 1910 and is the oldest international Armenian women's organization in the world. Its various regions maintain medical and social service centers, old age houses, youth camps and kindergarten in many parts of the world. For more information about this or any other ARS, Inc. program, call (617) 926-5892, e-mail secretary@ars1910.org, or visit www.ars1910.org.