UNICEF Canada

UNICEF is the world’s leader for children, working to save and protect children’s lives in 156 countries and territories. Across the globe, including within industrialized countries like Canada, we work to ensure that children’s universal human rights are respected and implemented. In Canada, UNICEF speaks out on behalf of our most vulnerable young citizens, so that public policies, laws, institutions and programmes contribute to a Canada fit for children, in a world fit for children.

UNICEF Canada celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005. It all began in 1955 when the Canadian UNICEF Committee was formed to organize the first Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. This campaign, which now raises over $3 million a year, has become a time-honoured tradition – so much so that October 31 is National UNICEF Day by Declaration of the Government of Canada.

Through the decades, UNICEF Canada has grown into a recognized national symbol for the world’s children and the most visible United Nations presence across the country. UNICEF Canada’s mandate is to raise funds in support of UNICEF’s work for children and build awareness among Canadians about the issues facing the world’s children. One of UNICEF Canada’s cornerstones is its Education for Development programme, which works through schools, special projects and the Internet to engage children and youth in international development issues such as HIV/AIDS, girls’ education, children and war, child labour and children’s rights.

Through media and promotion, strong national corporate partnerships, celebrity relations and innovative fundraising strategies, UNICEF Canada mobilizes individuals, businesses, governments and foundations to support UNICEF’s work. Major fundraising initiatives include the Global Parent monthly donor programme; Gifts of Magic symbolic donations; and UNICEF’s on-line cards and gifts shop at www.shopunicef.ca.

UNICEF Canada’s national office is located in Toronto and regional offices are located across the country, where volunteers and staff reach out to communities through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaigns, the sale of UNICEF greeting cards and gifts, fundraising events, presentations to schools and community groups and strong relations with local media.