On 17 November, official opening ceremony of ARCS soup kitchen for the most vulnerable elderly took place in Masis city, Ararat Region. The project is supported by Swiss Red Cross.
David Hambardzumyan, Masis mayor, Dr, Mkhitar Mnatsakanyan, ARCS President and Alexandra Papis, Swiss Red Cross International Cooperation projects coordinator, attended the event.
With support of Swiss Red Cross, Armenian Red Cross Society launched soup kitchens in Ararat and Armavir regions in July, 2017. Thanks to this initiative, 80 lonely elderly from each region not only have hot, nutritious meal every day and an opportunity to communicate with each other, but are surrounded with the warmth and care of ARCS volunteers and staff. The beneficiaries were selected based on the defined needs and developed criteria. It was implemented closely cooperating with Social divisions of regional administrations and municipalities.
Other self-governance bodies and private sector also joined and supported the initiative. Thus, Masis Municipality supported the renovation of the space, which was provided by private person, Armavir regional administration provided a free space and reimburses utility costs, Armavir municipality make the city transport free for the elderly, “Aparan” company donates drinking water, and “Vega” company donated household equipment.
