History
The roots of the Armenian Relief Society (A.R.S.) “Roubina” Chapter in Toronto extend back to 1924, when a group of orphans arrived in Canada as survivors of the Armenian Genocide. As soon as the A.R.S. Central Executive became aware of the orphans, an A.R.S. Chapter was organized in Toronto. Sixteen members were inducted into the A.R.S. Toronto Chapter, whose goals were to serve the needs of the Armenian people, and to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation. Although no records are available from that period, it is known that the major thrust of the chapter in Toronto centered on the needs of these orphans, known as the “Georgetown Boys”.
The ARS Toronto Chapter remained active until mid 1950’s, and for unknown reasons and circumstances, was disbanded.
In 1963, the A.R.S. Toronto Chapter was re-born. The vision and mandate of the organization was not only to provide aid to immigrants, but to play a vital role in the life of the local Armenian community by arranging social and cultural activities, while continuing to meet the goals and objectives of the organization.
In 1977, the A.R.S. Toronto Chapter was officially named the Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter.
With the growth of the Armenian community, the A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter in Toronto was able to continuously expand and meet the cultural, educational and social needs of the community, and contribute to the various programs of A.R.S. and local organizations.
Executive
Iren Telemi – Chairperson
Mary Arslanian– Vice Chairperson
Hasmig Sharabkhanian – Secretary (General Meetings)
Katia Ghorghorian – Secretary (Executive Meetings)
Silva Bedirian– Bookkeeper
Anna Galustians – Treasurer
Alvart Keshishian – Advisor
Azo Kolandjian– Advisor
Seta Masmanajian – Advisor
Membership
Currently, the A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter in Toronto has 325 active members, 47 auxiliary members, and 10 benefactors.
The Executive meetings are held on a weekly basis, and the General meetings are held on a monthly basis.
Committees
The A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter in Toronto has the following committees: Membership; Planning; Educational; Social Services; Summer Camp; Bazaar; Grant; Scholarship; Internal Audit, Archives; Election; A.R.S. Day; International Women’s Day; Mothers’ Day; ARS Heritage Day (“Dohmig Or”); Walkathon; New Year/Christmas; Hampartzoum; and others, as needed.
Contact Us
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter
45 Hallcrown Place, Toronto, ON M2J 4Y4
Tel.: 416-491-2900, Ext. 33
E-mail: arstorontoroubinachapter@yahoo.com
Website: www.ars-canada.ca
Join ARS “Roubina” Chapter Toronto
Donate to Toronto ARS “Roubina” Chapter
Donations are payable to “A.R.S. Roubina Chapter”
Tax receipt will be provided for donations $20.00 and over
PROGRAMS
Social Services Office
The Armenian Relief Society (A.R.S.) Social Services Office in Toronto continues to provide confidential and supportive services to meet the needs of the community since 1987.
The services and programs are realized through the dedicated work of the A.R.S. Social Services Committee, the office social worker and the many volunteers of the A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter in Toronto.
A.R.S. Toronto Social Services Office is open 5 days a week
Monday to Friday 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Located at the Armenian Community Centre:
Address: 45 Hallcrown Place, Willowdale ON M2J 4Y4
Telephone 416-495-0644,
Fax: 416-495-1729
Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:arssocialservices@yahoo.ca"arssocialservices@yahoo.ca
The A.R.S. Social Services Program is partially funded by government grants.
The office collaborates with government, public and private agencies including services in the form of advocacy and referrals in areas, such as:
housing, seniors, youth, employment, interpretation and translation.
The A.R.S. Social Services Committee coordinates visitations through our volunteers to old aged homes, organizes cultural events, and provides Armenian meals, pastoral services, and moral support to residents.
The Social Services Committee also organizes and coordinates various community events, such as, Food Bank Drives, Bone Marrow Drives and lectures on social and health-related matters, as needed.
Join ARS “Roubina” Chapter Social Services Volunteer Group (Adults and Students): Please contact: A.R.S. Social Services Office,
Mrs. Lolita Naranian, 416-495-0644.
ARS Summer Camp
The Toronto A.R.S. Summer Camp was originally established in 1970 as the A.R.S. Summer School.
Currently the A.R.S. Summer Camp offers activities including Armenian dance and theatre, swimming, basketball, arts and crafts, and field trips.
Student activities are coordinated by the principal, with the assistance of paid councillors and volunteers.
A.R.S. Summer Camp runs for a period of 7 weeks during July and August, with an enrolment of close to 200 campers.
Scholarships and Awards
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter University Scholarship- 1st year (2 students).
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter University Scholarship- Undergraduate or Graduate Program.
A.R.S. Tro Najarian University Scholarship Fund (Any University Program).
A.R.S. Scholarship for Genocide and Human Rights University Studies-A Division of the Zoryan Institute.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Community Achievement & Excellence Award for contributions in science, culture and education to the Armenian nation and humanity.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter “Volunteer of the Year” Youth Award (Ages 16-25).
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Achievement Award - Two local High School students- Loretta Abbey Catholic Secondary School and Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Achievement Award to a High School student at A.R.S. Private School - Highest average in Armenian language.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter “Margaret Kaprielian” Award to a High School student at A.R.S. Private School - Highest average in English language.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Achievement Award to a student at A.R.S. Kololian Elementary School - Highest average in Armenian language.
A.R.S. Saint Gregory Armenian Saturday School Award (8th Grade).
ACTIVITIES
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter performs various activities, including:
Bazaar and ARS Gift Shop
ARS Day
Heritage Day (“Dohmig Or”)
International Women’s Day
Bake Sales
Social Events (Mothers’ Day, New Year/Christmas, etc.).
Walkathon
PUBLICATIONS
The A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter in Toronto has the following publications:
- Armenian Relief Society (A.R.S.) “Roubina” Chapter Heritage Day Yearly Publications; 1994-current.
- A.R.S. Dikranagerd Heritage Day Booklet, 1994.
- A.R.S. Ourfa Heritage Day Booklet & Cookbook, 1995.
- A.R.S. Van-Vasbouragan Heritage Day Booklet, 1996.
- A.R.S. Daron-Dourouperan Heritage Day Booklet, 1997.
- A.R.S. Aintab Heritage Day Booklet & Cookbook, 1998.
- A.R.S. Mousa Ler Heritage Day Booklet, 1999.
- A.R.S. Marash Kermanik Heritage Day Booklet, 2000.
- A.R.S. Kharpert and Adjacent Areas Heritage Day Booklet, 2001.
- A.R.S. Kesab Heritage Day Booklet, 2002.
- A.R.S. Sis and Adana Heritage Day Booklet, 2003.
- A.R.S. Nor Chugha Heritage Day Booklet, 2004.
- A.R.S. Kilis Heritage Day Booklet, 2005.
- A.R.S. Garin-Erzerum Heritage Day Booklet, 2006.
- A.R.S. Bolis Heritage Day Booklet, 2007.
- A.R.S. Sepasdia Heritage Day Booklet, 2008.
- A.R.S. Gesaria Heritage Day Booklet, 2009.
- A.R.S. Erepuni/Yerevan Heritage Day Booklet, 2010.
Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter 45th Anniversary Booklet, 1963- 2008.
Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter 40th Anniversary Booklet, 1963- 2003.
Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter 35th Anniversary Booklet, 1963-1998.
Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter 30th Anniversary Booklet, 1963- 1993.
Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter Social Services 10th Anniversary Booklet, 1987-1997.
Armenian Relief Society “Roubina” Chapter 25th Anniversary Booklet, 1963-1988.
Armenian Relief Society Summer School 10th Anniversary Booklet, 1979.
Pamphlets:
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Information Pamphlet.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Social Services Office Information Pamphlet.
A.R.S. “Roubina” Chapter Summer Camp Information Pamphlet.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Yearly Calendar of Chapter Events (Please Attach Roubina Chapters’ Calendar or yearly events, and also Link this to “News and Events” Section)
NEWS AND EVENTS
Recent News: (Examples, such as)
- A.R.S. Erepuni/Yerevan Heritage Day- November 27, 2010 (Please provide brief information about the event and a few photos)
- Others
Upcoming Events: (Examples, such as)
- Dohmig Or announcement
