Arek’s Giving Campaign for Debi Arach
Description
As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Arek has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri for humanitarian aid. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Through this effort, Arek will raise funds that will directly support the children’s essential needs and overall well-being. Your support will make a meaningful difference in their lives and help create a brighter future.
A message from Arek:
This summer, I’m planning to go on a service trip to Armenia to connect with my roots and support meaningful change for families and children that are in need.
From any time that I can remember, being Armenian has been an important part of my identity. Ever since I was little, I’ve eaten Armenian food, heard it spoken around me, and been told that I look and even act Armenian. Last summer, I got to see more of my Armenian family from around the world that came together in Istanbul to meet up with us. Feeling that shared family connection really meant a lot to me and strengthened my sense of identity as an Armenian. We were so close to Armenia, but didn’t visit and I realized how much I want to go there and connect.
I recently heard about the Paros Foundation and the service trip they lead, which includes a mix of service opportunities and cultural visits, along with experiencing the social life in Armenia with kids my age. I am excited to finally be able to experience the vibrant culture that I have only known from afar.
Along with organizing service trips, the Paros Foundation develops dozens of projects to support impoverished communities in Armenia. An important aspect of the trip is to raise money for the program that feels most important to me. I was drawn to the Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach program, which provides kids in need with backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, boots, shoes and groceries. I’m hoping to raise funds for Debi Arach in order to provide what these kids need most. As someone who has grown up in the Bay Area and attended private schools, I have always been privileged enough to not worry about having my essential needs met. My goal is not only to do my part to relieve this struggle, but also to spread awareness about the important work that the Paros and Debi Arach programs are providing. I’m asking you as our friends and family to help in this effort to support these communities.
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Gallery Images
Mr. & Mrs. Eric & Emma Gimon
Berkeley, CAMr. Peter Winch
San Francisco, CAMs. Naomi Edelson
Piedmont, CASita & David
Oakland, CAMr. Mike Lukan
Berkeley, CAMr. & Mrs. Steve & Eldem Rank
Concord, CAMs. Jennifer Charette
Albany, CAMilan Zydow & Virginie Tejero
Kensington, CAMrs. Petek Cunningham
San Jose, CAMr. & Mrs. Patrick & Lia McLoughlin
San Francisco, CAMr. Valla Vakili
Orinda, CA