On September 27, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund launched a nationwide fundraising campaign in support of Artsakh. "We are our borders. All for Artsakh $ 170 million has already been raised within the framework of the fundraiser.

Hayastan All Armenian Fund Director Haykak Arshamyan fielded questions from reporters today in Yerevan regarding the $170 million raised for Artsakh.

Yesterday, National Assembly Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan reported that some of the money had already been spent, and the remainder allocated to the government.

Arshamyan said the Fund’s Board of Trustees decided to transfer some of the money raised to the government to make the procurement process faster and more optimal

“Let's not talk about the amount of money at this moment, until the fund is audited,” Arshamyan told reporters, adding that the Fund didn’t have the manpower or resources to make the necessary large-scale procurements immediately needed.

“It was a matter of time. We were not going to make it, because if we had to have X-ray machines, ambulances to transport the wounded, to operate, it was impossible to organize it quickly with our means,” he said.

When asked what was purchased with the money transferred to the government, Arshamyan said it went towards the refugee problem and healthcare.

“Imagine, the state had to cut some money from the healthcare system for the war, take it for other needs. But since the fund gave money to the state, the state was able to keep those systems,” he said.

Arshamyan said that donations have slowed down since the signing of the ceasefire declaration on November 10.

When asked how much of the money donated to the Fund’s “We are our borders” Artsakh program has been spent to date, Arshamyan said he couldn’t give a specific figure.

“I cannot give the number, but we still have a large part of that amount in our accounts. Our local authorities are still raising money and have a lot of money in their accounts.”

He said that at least 250,000 people in the U.S. donated, and just as many in Armenia. $60-70 million of the $170 million came from Armenia.

As to large-scale procurement specifics, Arshamyan noted diesel generators, ambulances, medical equipment, first aid kits, household items, beds, stoves, stoves, radiators, lamps.

“They have built portable charging stations, which are powered by natural energy. Now we have an order from the Artsakh government to buy generators again, because if we buy big diesel generators, we can supply electricity to up to 100 houses. There is a real need for that because the infrastructure in Artsakh is completely damaged.”

Arshamyan said it is impossible to calculate how much money is needed to meet the current needs of Artsakh.

“Now, those calculations are being made by the Artsakh government. Every day I receive letters from the Artsakh State Minister asking them to make purchases to meet specific needs. Those needs are so great. I think the fund should close the gaps that the Artsakh government will not be able to close. This is a force majeure situation. Urgent solutions will be needed.”

Arshamyan concluded by saying that the Fund is committed to providing benefits, basic necessities to both Artsakh residents in Armenia and those returning to Artsakh.

“Our focus will be directly on supporting the victims of the war, the wounded, and their families in every way possible,” he said.