Letters of Last Hopes
Firsthand accounts of the Hamidian Massacres through desperate letters to Khrimian Hayrig
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July 30, 2008
Summer Fashion Show in Montreal Raises $10,000 for Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project
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Some of the models pose on stage during the Montreal fashion show to benefit the Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project. The June 8 event attracted over 200 guests. -
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A model takes to the catwalk during the Montreal fashion show fundraiser on June 8, 2008.
On June 8, 2008, the pan-Canadian AGBU committee for the Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project (NJRP) hosted a fashion show fundraiser in Montreal for over 200 guests.
Nor Jraberd, a village in Karabakh, is in need of reconstruction and economic rebirth even twelve years after the devastating war that ravaged the region. Mego Malkhassian has taken the lead in forming a qualified team of AGBU volunteers from across Canada to raise funds for this special village project.
Called "Then and Now," the June 8 program for the NJRP kicked off with entertainment from Bulgarian, Hungarian and Armenian dance groups. A fashion show followed, featuring styles by various Montreal wholesalers and stores, including Donna Bella, Urban Rags, Miss Mak, the Accessory Store and Aquaskye. Other individuals and companies also provided complimentary services to ensure the success of the evening, including hair stylist Anny Kamajian, makeup artist Mary-Ann Keverian and Hera Bell Photo Studio.
Photos of the devastated southeast region of Karabakh, where Nor Jraberd is located, were displayed at the event to show guests the potential difference donations can make. Over $10,000 was raised for the Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project.
"Everyone was cooperating, everybody was motivated, and everybody put their hearts into this occasion," said Arda Kouyoumjian, the event coordinator. "It was a miraculous afternoon enjoyed by everyone."
NJRP's regional director, Mego Malkhassian, agrees that the event was overwhelmingly successful: "The most heartwarming part of the afternoon was the fact that the youth from our community indicated their interest and readiness to participate in our difficult task of reconstruction. The unity, the modesty, and the motivation has inspired and encouraged us all to give our best to make this miracle happen."
AGBU's Montreal and Toronto chapters, along with other Armenian communities across Canada, are joining forces through the Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project (NJRP) to rebuild homes and other facilities in the Nor Jraberd village. For more information, please visit www.norjraberd.org.
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