ANC-Glendale To Host Annual Blood Drive
March 31, 2008

Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee - Glendale Chapter in collaboration with the Armenian Relief Society, City of Glendale’s, Week of Remembrance Committee, and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The blood drive will take place on Sunday, April 20, 2008 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church (500 S Central Ave., Glendale, CA.)  All blood donated will be delivered to local hospitals, such as Glendale’s Memorial and Glendale’s Adventist.

“ANC Glendale’s annual blood drive has become a great tradition in the City of Glendale. With double the staff and our collaborative efforts with community organizations, this year’s blood drive will build upon last year’s accomplishments and allow us to collect an unprecedented amount of blood from a community that has time and again contributed to a great cause,” stated Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee Glendale Chapter. “Events such as this not only commemorate the atrocious tragedies and lost lives of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, but also serve those in need in the community,” added Asatryan.

According to the American Red Cross, less then 3% of the 24 miliion residents in Southern California donate blood. One pint of blood can save up to 3 lives and about every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion.

“A lot of people have misconceptions about donating blood in general. There are a lot of health benefits from donating blood that I want people to understand more in depth,” stated Sherry Nikrik, Senior Account Manager of the American Red Cross.  “Donating blood is not only great for the recipient, but also great for the donor. Hopefully we get a lot more first time donors so they can learn and pass on the good news,” added Nikrik.

To register for the blood drive contact ANC-Glendale at (818) 243-3444 or visit www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code stmarysarmenian.

Known as the first genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian Genocide resulted in the mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turks.  While the Armenian Genocide is widely recognized throughout the world and among international bodies, Turkey continues to deny its role and instead promotes false propaganda. 
April 24th, 2008 will mark the 93rd commemoration of Armenian Genocide

The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city's Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels. It is the voice of this vibrant community, which seeks to advance and enrich Glendale.

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