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PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, January 22, 2009
AGBU Montreal’s First-Ever Walk-a-thon Raises $10,000 for Armen-Quebec
Alex Manoogian School
On Saturday, October 4, 2008, AGBU Montreal organized its first ever
walk-a-thon to benefit the local AGBU Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian
School. Over 150 participants of all ages walked a six-kilometer circuit
through the streets of Ville Saint-Laurent in downtown Montreal. The
event, which was spearheaded by AGBU Montreal chairman Armen Bechakjian,
raised $10,000 for the school.
Saint-Laurent borough mayor, Alan DeSousa, spoke to the bustling crowd
before the walk began, highlighting the important role the Armen-Quebec
School plays not only in their local community but also the Armenian
diaspora. The AGBU Montreal Scouts’ marching band then took center stage
under the director of Harout Tachejian, leading the walk for several
blocks, before putting down their instruments to join with fellow
participants for the rest of the circuit.
Most walkers, including several faculty members, school alumni and
Principal Robert Kechayan and his wife, finished the course in about 90
minutes, full of good spirit and energy. Armen-Quebec’s first principal,
Vartouhi Balian, greeted participants at the finish line and
congratulated them for their achievement.
The event was followed by a dinner at the AGBU school, which was
prepared by several volunteers, and then festivities continued in
Dervishian Hall for the rest of the evening. Music was provided by DJ
Sako, and the night ended with a walk-a-thon video recap hosted by
Sylvia Durgerian-Boyadmjian and videographer Tarek.
AGBU Montreal hopes to make the walk-a-thon an annual activity in the
month of October.
Photos from the walkathon and more information can be viewed at
w, a site prepared by AGBU Armen-Quebec Alex
Manoogian School alumnus, Saro Gurunlu.
AGBU Montreal serves Canada’s largest Armenian community. Along with a
newly renovated community center, the Chapter supports the Armen-Quebec
Alex Manoogian School and an active scout troop. For more information on
AGBU Montreal and its activities, please phone (514) 748-2428, e-mail
[email protected] or visit
For more information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters and programs,
please visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
