Decades ago, after the horrors of World War I and the Armenian Genocide, which left multitudes of Armenians orphaned and relocated them far from home, The Armenian Relief Cross in Lebanon (ARCL) was founded to aid our tormented children who had started reestablishing themselves in Lebanon and the region.

ARCL, a women’s non-profit organization, was founded from the people, to the people. Its aim was to reaches all those who needed social and financial support; to serve the elderly and the children, the disabled and the poor, to identify itself with the difficulties of the disadvantaged, and do its best to aid people from all walks of life.

To be able to reach all, from day one, ARCL started establishing chapters in various regions of the country.

During Lebanon’s troubled days, the role and responsibility of these chapters became to reach all those who need the Red Cross volunteer’s care and help.

In the spring of 1930, ARCL’s first Chapter was founded. Later, year after year, as new districts were established, the need of these districts led to the birth of new chapters. In 1960, the organization counted 14 chapters which were identified by their geographical names. By 1980, the number reached 24. Today, all over Lebanon, 4000 members operate 26 chapters of ARCL.

At the onset of the establishment of the Lebanese Armenian community, a number of Armenian families lived in Saidon, Baalbek, Hammana and Bikfaya. In the past, ARCL founded chapters in these regions as well. However, because of relocation, later the number of these families diminished almost to none which led to the closure of ARCL’s chapters there.

Starting 1977, the chapters were identified by unique names that represented either famous Armenian women from our history, Armenian cities, or historic locations in Western Armenia.

 

The ARCL Members

The merit of the members of ARCL lies not only in their dedication but also in their selfless service to the community as they place the Organization’s interests above their own.

Being a non-profit organization, ARCL is not only a charitable organization but also a school. Mothers and sisters who have their own family responsibilities and worries engage in work to help benefit the community in all areas including educating its women.

ARCL members participate in conventions and inter-chapter meetings, keep meeting notes and reports, secure finances and keep records, take care of the association possessions, and gather archives for historic records.

 

The Role of the ARCL Chapters

Since the chapters don’t have permanent income sources and funds, they rely only on the people. Considering the immediate needs of the community, the chapters provide the majority of their revenue to relief aids, healthcare and first aid needs.

To the best extent possible, they lend a hand to the child and the young-adult who is starting to learn the Armenian language, so no Armenian child is denied the opportunity of education in an Armenian school. In the last few years, some chapters doubled their financial allowances and increased the number of their pupils.

Alongside financial support, the chapters provide moral vigor to the Armenian elderly, the Armenian patient and the Armenian compatriot in dire straits. They encourage everyone; they make them feel that they aren’t alone, and that they are an inseparable part of the Armenian community.

The chapters not only provide their adopted elderly with financial support, but they also provide them with medical care and supply them with necessary medications; and on the occasion of New Year’s, they offer them symbolic gifts.

The ARCL chapters also contribute to the financial and moral needs of all the social cases that are presented to them.

In keeping with tradition, the chapters visit and support the following non-profit organizations in our community:

• KAHL, the Armenian school for the deaf and the blind
• “Zvartnots” center for mentally handicapped children
• “Trchnots Pouyn” (Birds’ Nest) orphanage
• The Armenian National Sanatorium (Azouniyeh).

To create a healthy environment and establish mutual relationships between our volunteers and the Armenian women living in the region, the chapters organize lectures, cultural events, Picnics, New Year’s revelries; they celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day; and they offer various educational courses.

Each year, on ARCL Day, the Regional Executive organizes a fundraiser. Also an annual calendar is issued by ARCL which is sold and distributed throughout the Armenian community. The chapter members volunteer to accomplish all these tasks.

The ARCL year goes by with fruitful activities and productive endeavors.

The ARCL grows in number and develops in new areas of activities thanks to the vast troops of faithful members whose reward is immense emotional satisfaction and desire for new successes and achievements.

 

THE 26 CHAPTERS ARE:

Chapter	Region	Est.
Aghavni Papazian	Zalka	1980
Aghtamar	Ainjar	1942
Anahid	Mar Youssef	1966
Ani	Nahr El Mot	1972
Arakadz	Arakadz	1950
Araz	Boucherieh	1975
Arshalouyce Azirian	Sis	1933
Artsakh	Rabie	1991
Asdghig	Mar Mikael	1963
Ashken	Marash	1946
Aydzemnig	Tripoli	1935
Chavo Shant	Dekouaneh	1984
Chouchanig	Trad	1948
Garineh	Amanos	1956
Gars	Achrafieh	1938
Hayashen	Karm El Zeitoun	1937
Heghoush Papazian	Raouda	1980
Hripsime Sassouni	Fanar	1972
Kayane	Beit El Kokko	1977
Meghry	Beyrouth	1930
Nairy	Antelias	1962
Roupina	Norashen	1948
Sevan	Jounieh	1941
Shoushy	Zahlé	1940
Sosse	Jbeil	1967
Zevartnotz	Hazmieh	1971