Armenian General Benevolent Union, ( AGBU ) Alexandria Chapter

AGBU Alexandria Chapter board consists of 9 members from 3 different age groups evenly, no staff. Limited resources available to the Chapter, about 30000 LE in saving account, about 2000 LE yearly as membership fees and donations. Most projects are on hold due to limited resources, seminars and exhibitions are conducted regularly by contribution of members and board members alike, currently about 200 active members. AGBU Cairo branch is primary partner in funding large events. Hisory: At the beginning of the 20th century, during a period of great difficulties, a group of Egyptian Armenian intellectuals, understanding the urgent need to create a strong non-political organization capable of extending instant aid to all Armenians, met together and set the foundations of our important Organization. - On 15 April 1906, the group, led by Boghos Nubar Pasha, met on Easter day, at the Nubar mansion in Cairo, to sign the founding charter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). The first few years of AGBU were devoted primarily to the development of the organizational machinery and the extension of grants and subsidies to a number of schools and orphanages. In 1907, AGBU’s first branch was founded in Alexandria, followed by the Manchester & Boston branches. The start of the massacres of Armenians in Adana (Cilicia) in 1909, was the first major challenge for the young Benevolent Union, which rushed in by sending aid to the people of the stricken cities and villages.