Gavar Orphanage-New Year Gifts 2021

Hello friends and family,

 

As many of you know last year was a very difficult year for Armenia. I have come with two suitcases full of gifts (toys, socks, pens/pencils, legos, hot wheels, etc..), that I had planned to give to the three main orphanages in Armenia (Gavar, Gyumri, and Yerevan). After calling the orphanages today (Dec. 17) I was shocked by the number of children under their care. The Gavar orphanage alone has 56 children under their care, 27 girls and 29 boys from ages 7-18. Many of these children have been abandoned by their families, or have lost them as a result of the war. To the point, I won't have enough gifts to distribute to all the children, so I have created this page to allow my close friends and family to contribute, as a last-minute effort to raise money to allow me to go buy a sufficient amount of gifts. According to the orphanage's Dean they are in need of shoes and slippers, so any contributions will be spent on shoes and slippers.

 

Any contribution, > $5 will make a huge difference. I will document this on my Instagram story this/next week. I don't have any expectations for this, just thought I would give my friends and family a chance to make a direct impact. If you have any questions, or requests on how you want me to spend your contributions please let me know. Love you guys.

My motivation to travel to Armenia to help at the orphanages comes from my family's roots. My grandfather was orphaned as a result of the Armenian Genocide, he lived in various orphanages until the age of 16. He then worked in a textile mill, got married and had 4 children, one of which is my father Arsen, he then brought his wife and 4 children to Canada with $500.  We are proud Canadians, but we will never forget where we came from. 

**updated Dec.18/2021
WOW! I am so proud of you my family and friends, we've crushed my initial goal of $1500. I have raised the goal to $5000, to extend our contribution to all three orphanages: Our Lady of Armenia (Gyumri), Gavar Orphanage, and Sister's of Charity-Bethlehem. The orphanage's have been notified that these items that I will purchase are because of Canadian donors, many of which are not Armenian. She was very appreciative to say the least (over the phone). I cannot wait to share their excitement with you. 

The Dean of Gavar Orphanage has provided the names, ages, and shoe sizes of their 56 children. Each of the children will receive a set of slippers and shoes. In addition the girls will receive a bra, stockings, and socks. I will be in contact with the Deans of the remaining schools this week, and provide an update on here and on my instagram story (@garenkeleshian). 

We have delivered the shoes, slippers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, butter, toys, clothing, and other miscellaneous gifts to the children. The video will be posted this weekend (jan.9), editing videos and adding subtitles is taking a long time, especially since I have never done this.

Updated** Jan.9 2022

We are now in Gyumri, helping two orphanages here. I apologize for the lack of updates on the gofundme page, with the New Year and Christmas this has been more time consuming than I originally anticipated (editing videos, buying products, and travel). This orphanage has asked us to supply diapers, bathing soap, baby lotion, baby wipes, and lice medication. We are also supplying toothbrushes, toothpaste, rice, lentils, butter, and clothing. Please follow me on instagram for little updates via my story. If you do not have instagram just subscribe to my youtube channel “Garen Keleshian” and I will post the videos asap.

Love everyone very much, health and happiness to you all in ‘22

Much thanks,

Go Canada!

Garen