2023 Annual Report
FAR’s crowdfunding platform Ayo! celebrated ten years of work that has empowered Armenians to create positive solutions and change in 2023. The fundraising platform supports smaller, locally-driven development projects by connecting them with broader support networks, both in Armenia and the global Armenian diaspora.
The year 2023 was Ayo!’s best year yet. More than 500 new donors joined the Ayo! “family,” contributing more than $250,000 to support seven impactful projects that addressed emergency humanitarian needs, health and child protection. Since its start in 2013, Ayo! has raised more than $1.25 million for 82 diverse projects that have touched the lives of more than 100,000 Armenians.
FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF PROGRAMS
Ayo!
FAR’s crowdfunding platform Ayo! celebrated ten years of work that has empowered Armenians to create positive solutions and change in 2023. The fundraising platform supports smaller, locally-driven development projects by connecting them with broader support networks, both in Armenia and the global Armenian diaspora.
The year 2023 was Ayo!’s best year yet. More than 500 new donors joined the Ayo! “family,” contributing more than $250,000 to support seven impactful projects that addressed emergency humanitarian needs, health and child protection. Since its start in 2013, Ayo! has raised more than $1.25 million for 82 diverse projects that have touched the lives of more than 100,000 Armenians.
A SQUARE MEAL
Prkutyun, a support and daycare center for young adults with disabilities and their families, supports its beneficiaries through various means, including social activities, vocational training, medical care and meals. This project raised just over $12,000 to enable Prkutyun to provide nourishing lunches for 65 beneficiaries with disabilities during 2023.
BREATHE EASY
In the midst of Artsakh’s blockade, the Child Health Foundation approached Ayo! with an urgent need. Ayo! donors rallied together, raising over $45,000 to purchase and transport vital asthma medication to children in Artsakh. The funds helped to ensure that essential medicine reached the children and that they continued to receive their medication after they had to flee to Armenia.
FOR ARTSAKHTSIS
When Artsakh found itself under attack in September, Ayo! donors swiftly responded by raising over $180,000 in four months. The funds raised through this campaign addressed pressing humanitarian needs by providing heaters, bedding, medicine, food, and more to those affected by the conflict.
AYO’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2023
Ayo!’s seven campaigns of 2023 made a significant impact on the lives of Armenians, including Artsakh Armenians, ultimately bringing hope and enrichment to a year filled with challenging events.
Through the For Artsakhtsis project, and in collaboration with the Health Fund for Children of Armenia, Arman was finally able to receive adequate medical care he so desperately needed in Yerevan. Thorough exams and comprehensive tests revealed he had been struggling with a rare genetic joint disease called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), which necessitates a lengthy treatment regimen.
Ayo! obtained and covered the costs of a several-month supply of two different crucial medicines for Arman. Ayo! staff found that access to medication through this project was a vital channel of support. It became evident that many children from Artsakh suffer from severe health issues and cannot obtain the necessary treatments. Medications are often not registered in Armenia or they are very expensive and not covered by the government.
For JIA, if medication is consistently taken its frequency can be gradually reduced and even stopped altogether in combination with proper follow-up. In Arman’s case, his health has improved after several months of consistent treatment covered by For Artsakhtsis.
Ayo! staff members continued to assist the Arzumanyans through 2023. The Health Fund for Children of Armenia has since taken on the cost of covering Arman’s medication and doctor’s visits, along with that of several other children whom Ayo! assisted through this project.
More than 4,200 people in need received assistance. About 2,475 in need received temporary beds, blankets and warm clothing; 275 received emergency food provisions and nearly 600 heaters were distributed. In addition, so many struggling with health issues found themselves in desperate need of medical care and medication they suddenly did not have access to—or never had access to. Ayo! helped to secure much-needed temporary supplies for 60 people who were suffering from joint and muscle maladies, thrombosis and neurological issues.
Eight-year-old Arman Arzumanyan was one of those touched by this incredibly essential assistance during such an urgent time. Before his family fled their home in Martuni, Artsakh, they were on the brink of starvation due to the blockade. In addition, Arman had been undergoing treatment for chronic swelling in his extremities, which started when he was five. He was in constant pain and it was very difficult for him to move. His only way to function daily was to rely on the painkillers his mother Hermine was able to obtain for him.
When his family fled to Armavir, Armenia Arman and his brother Aren, 10, were able to enroll in elementary school. The family had no source of income, however. Arman’s father Heinrich, a soldier, severely wounded his leg which left him unable to work. Hermine, previously a homemaker, was unable to find a job.
Arman Arzumanyan
HIGHLIGHTED BENEFICIARY
WITH THE ATTACK AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ARTSAKH, AYO! JUMPED INTO ACTION WITH ITS FOR ARTSAKHTSIS CAMPAIGN, WHICH RAISED MORE THAN $180,000 TO ASSIST THE DISPLACED WITH THEIR MOST URGENT NEEDS, INCLUDING FOOD, CLOTHING, HEATING AND MEDICINE.
CHRISTMAS WISHLIST
Ayo's annual holiday initiative brought joy to over 150 vulnerable children who were displaced from their homes in September. Donors contributed more than $22,000 for gifts that brought smiles and moments of joy to children who had experienced recent hardship.
HIKING FOR ALL
This project raised more than $7,000 to fund an initiative that was started by the ARI Hiking Club and Arvestaran, a developmental center for children with special needs. Through the project, nature hikes around Armenia are organized which specifically cater to kids with special needs.
Twelve young people benefited from seven transformative excursions during 2023. Their participation built their social skills and independence, and challenged the stereotype that people with disabilities are not "able" to participate in community life. The remaining amount raised will fund hikes in 2024.
HAVEN
Ayo! donors raised over $16,000 toward the renovation of the FAR Child Protection Center, which will help to make the space more comfortable for vulnerable and at-risk children in need.
SUMMER CAMP
Ayo! collaborated with GOALS and the Armenian Lacrosse Federation to fund a sports summer camp for 70 kids, introducing them to lacrosse for the first time. The initiative, which raised over $9,000 cultivated their physical health and promoted unity and life skills development for participants.
Christmas Wishlist
Raised to grant Christmas wishes for 150 kids in need
$22,235
Hiking For All
Raised for hiking expeditions for children with special needs
$7,177
Haven
Raised to contribute to the cost of renovations at the FAR Child Protection Center
$16,425
Summer Camp
Raised to send 70 children to sports camp
$9,940
A Square Meal
Raised to provide one year of lunch for 65 young adults with special needs
$12,651
Breathe Easy
Raised for vital medication for children with asthma in Artsakh
$45,622
For Artsakhtis
Raised to provide emergency relief to Armenians who fled Artsakh
$180,000
AYO!
By the Numbers
The Hovsep Foundation c/o Mr. Errol Hovsep Karakash
St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church
St. John Armenian Church
Oscar Tatosian
ACYOA, Jrs. of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, DC
St. James Armenian Church
Council of Europe
Grace Aznoian
David Onanian
Diane Piranian
St. John Armenian Church
Oscar Tatosian
ACYOA, Jrs. of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, DC
Diane Piranian
The Hovsep Foundation c/o Mr. Errol Hovsep Karakash
St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church
St. James Armenian Church
Council of Europe
Grace Aznoian
David Onanian