Armenian Relief Society (ARS) was founded in New-York City USA IN 1910 by Edgar Agnouni. The Society was known at the time as Armenian Red Cross and in March 1921 was invited to participate in the 10th Convention of the International Red Cross held in Geneva Switzerland.

With the fall of the First Armenian republic, Armenian Red Cross could no longer fulfil the legal requirements of the international Red Cross and its participation became that of an observer. From 1920 through its incorporation in May 1939 and until 1946 the organisation was known as the Armenian Relief Corp. In February 1946 the name of the organisation became the Armenian Relief Society inc.

The primary mission of the ARS was to care for the survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.After World War I and II the ARS played an important role in receiving and resettling thousands of Armenians deported from their homes.
As an independent, non-governmental and non-sectarian organisation the ARS today has 26 regions and chapters-at-large all over the world with over 15,000 members.

The ARS GB is one of its many Chapters, it was established in 1982 in London. The Chapter has 120 members and has enjoyed the support of the community since its inception.

ARS GB participates in ARS Central Committee’s programmes, which are carried out in Armenia and around the world, for example education, orphan sponsorship, health and social services. The ARS GB members elect Chapter’s Executive committee once every two years.

In 2010 Centenary year the organisation celebrated a hundred years of devoted service. “Ժողովրդիս հետ Ժողովրդիս համար”.

ARS is an NGO on the Roster in Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nation.

For more information click on www.ars-gb.org.uk or www.ars1910.org