#OurDailyBread has always been about more than meeting physical needs. Just over seven months ago, we began the campaign in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to both satisfy hunger, and remind vulnerable people that they were not forgotten. Thanks to the generous support of Toufayan Bakeries and the organization AYO!, we planned to bake 9,000 loaves over the months of September and October. We would support several communities in need, including the elderly beneficiaries of a local soup kitchen, a daycare for the elderly, low-income families affected by COVID-19 and families of children with disabilities. We never predicted how #OurDailyBread would pivot. In late September, Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, attacked the region of Artsakh. This small piece of mountainous land is historically Armenian, but claimed by Azerbaijan. Since the fighting began, more than 1200 Armenian soldiers and 50 civilians have lost their lives in the war. Thousands have fled north to Armenia. In October, Aregak Bakery began baking bread for the displaced families temporary living in Gyumri - families like Lilit, Arman and Artak. The three spent a terrifying week in war-torn Artsakh before leaving for Gyumri, where Lilit's parents live. Thankfully, the boys are adapting; they smile and laugh. Lilit is strong, but her eyes can't hide fear and anxiety. "We left everything, our house, everything, so I could at least bring my children out of danger," Lilit told me. "My husband is on the front... we are just hoping for victory." Sadly, due to the mass movement of refugees and the changing weather, COVID-19 cases are again rising. As the need expands, we are committed to continuing #OurDailyBread through the remainder of the year. Thank you for making our efforts possible. We are deeply grateful for your support.
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September 2021
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