Friends of Karintak: Urgent relief for Artsakh

I'm Raffi Niziblian from Montreal, Canada -- a former volunteer in the village of Karintak & Shushi (1999 + 2001).  Since 2003, I have been enjoying life in Yerevan & Shushi (now in the hands of Azerbaijan).  I am a  creative entrepreneur and a proud father of 4 amazing humans. I feel that it is my duty to mobilize my network to support and assist displaced fellow Armenians who have lost their homes and need urgent relief before they can stand up on their own once again. Here is my campaign. 

LCO Volunteers from Argentina, UK, USA, Canada and France in Karintak - 1999

Lara (Canada) and Penny (UK) working on the restoration of the village church

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These are some of the most challenging times of our lives -- from  COVID-19 to a tragic war. Needless to say, the post-war craziness has affected all Armenians, no matter where we live. However, it's no time to sit back or give up. There is lots to do; much more than one can imagine. From helping the families of deceased soldiers and civilians, to those who have lost everything, to soldiers who have returned and not to mention the country and its infrastructure. 

The best way to tackle all of these is to decompose the big problem into smaller parts and tackle them one by one. This is what we are doing with this initiative. I got in touch with Abel from Karintak - a unique individual I had met during my LCO volunteer days back in 1999. As a boy, he had witnessed the killing of his mother during the first war and now, as a mature citizen, he volunteered to fight protecting his community and village  - alas, destiny had other plans.

Abel and Raffi (me) in Yerevan - December 2020


We talked about the old days and more about the war. He said that almost half of Karintak people were killed. The rest are spread all over Armenia and Artsakh. I offered to help him but he graciously said that "there are more families in need than me. I am capable to work and help my family."  He accepted to help me compile a list on names and numbers of those families in and near Yerevan. Along with 2 volunteers, we started calling these people to see what are their immediate needs. Some need medication, others need warm clothes. Most said they will need financial assistance to rent a place or pay their utilities (those living in Armenia). There are a few pregnant women, a few with chronic illnesses and others dealing with this pandemic on top of everything. 

I am happy to say that we have compiled a list of 50+ families and so far have spoken to 44 of them (in the Yerevan and nearby villages and towns/cities). The immediate needs are bigger than we thought. In time, fewer will need support until they decide on what is their final destination will be (remain in Armenia, go back to Karabakh, leave the country, etc). 

To make the process transparent and simple, we have broken down the families into categories -- A) family of up to 4 members; B) family of 5-6; C) families of 7+ 
Category A will receive 200 USD; B will receive 300 USD; and C will get 400 USD. Upon the completion of the donations, the names of the recipients and the amounts received will be sent to all donors. There is also a private FB group for those who want to become more involved and go the extra mile. If you wish to join, please write me a private message or mention it in the comments.

Christmas and New Year are coming up and you have your plans. But, this year, I urge you to reconsider and allocate part of your spending to help the people of Karintak. They are in desperate need of our support - both emotionally and financially. 

I now call upon you to join my efforts and consider contributing generously before the end of the year and even beyond! So, donate but also share this fundraiser and ask people around you to donate as well!