Sunday 11 March 2012

As a child, I happily carried my little orange UNICEF box as I trick-or-treated my way from house to house on Halloween. I felt good about collecting coin donations in that little box, and bringing the jingling box of coins to school the next day to send off to UNICEF.

As an adult, teachers no longer offer me a chance to carry a tiny orange box around while wearing a clown costume. Instead, I get most of my information on the Web and try to make informed decisions about how I'll contribute to this world. Oh, doesn't thinking sound complicated? It's a good thing I learn things on YouTube sometimes.

Today I came across a new video on Unicef Canada's YouTube channel. In it, Lenny Kravitz speaks in support of UNICEF and of the importance of clean drinking water and sanitation. He mentions that 4,000 children die every day because of unsafe drinking water, unsanitary and unhygienic conditions.


Among its many children's advocacy and charitable efforts, UNICEF, along with governments and partners has helped drill wells, install water pumps and build latrines. Improved water conditions have helped over 2 billion people and improved sanition has helped over 1.8 billion people. UNICEF has educated children and mothers about hygiene, and has provided many people sanitation and clean water in emergency situations. However, many people are left without access to clean water and proper sanitation. The good news is that we can help through UNICEF. For more information, visit unicef.ca.

Information source: unicef.ca.

7 comments:

  1. I never knew UNICEF had that for Halloween, such a great idea. I don't remember my school doing this. Thanks for the information and letting us know where we can help out.

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  2. I remember carrying those boxes! Good post Nora.

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  3. Although it’s devastating to hear about the poverty and suffering that so many endure around the world, I am encouraged knowing I can make a difference by partnering with organizations such as UNICEF. It's my hope to work with Compassion Canada in the future to help release children from poverty. You provide very important information here Nora, great post!

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  4. I had actually never heard of UNICEF until I was either in middle school or high school. When I did finally hear about it, I only heard about it at Halloween. Are there other times of year that are big for them collecting donations? Or is just at Halloween?

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  5. UNICEF does a great job where people need help. I remember, I got a great fund from UNICEF to provide families with mosquito nets in my hometown. Many children die from malaria, as well. I went to discuss the proposal in Geneva (Switzerland). It was a great experience.It is funny that you heard about UNICEF that late, but I understand that. So Halloween is the occasion of collecting donations? Wouldn't Christmas be appropriate?

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  6. I never carried the boxes, I wanted candy instead. I was a pretty selfish kid, as kids are oft wont to be.

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  7. I miss those boxes too! I still make sure I have some loose change as well as candy ready for halloween night, but it seems like no kids have them anymore.

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