Armen Sarkissian, the President of the Republic of Armenia visited the Armenian Red Cross Soup Kitchen in Masis, Ararat on the occassion of New Year and Merry Christmas
Dr. Mkhitar Mnatsakanyan, the president of the ARCS, Dr. Anna Yeghiazaryan the Secretary General of the ARCS, Davit Hambardzumyan, the mayor of Masis city and the deputy mayors met the president.
"Dear Mr. President, dear guests and volunteers, soup kitchen visitors, we are very grateful to Mr. President that he has been able to find time and congratulate our elderly people on New Year's Eve and Christmas", Mkhitar Mnatsakanyan, ARCS President said.
"I have been taught to share with others everything what I have. If we do not share our joy and success, no one will share our difficulties with us. I am convinced that optimism and hope cannot be lost and we should believe that 2019 will be better, and 2020 will be even better. We are grateful to the Red Cross and all those, who are with you and, as much as possible, alliviate your suffering. I will help you with all the capacities I have, especially I am ready to help your children", the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian said.
On the occassioin of New Year, the President of the Republic of Armenia handed food packages to beneficiaries.
With support of Swiss Red Cross, Armenian Red Cross Society launched soup kitchens in Ararat and Armavir regions in July, 2017. Thanks to this initiative, 80 lonely elderly from each region not only have hot, nutritious meal every day and an opportunity to communicate with each other, but are surrounded with the warmth and care of ARCS volunteers and staff. The beneficiaries were selected based on the defined needs and developed criteria. It was implemented closely cooperating with Social divisions of regional administrations and municipalities.
Other self-governance bodies and private sector also joined and supported the initiative. Thus, Masis Municipality supported the renovation of the space, which was provided by an individual, "Aparan” company donates drinking water, and “Vega” company donated household equipment.
