Weisstara Posted October 26, 2005 Posted October 26, 2005 Wednesday, Oct 12, 2005 October 12, 2005 – UNICEF Canada says that Prime Minister Paul Martin’s announcement that individual contributions to the Pakistan Earthquake Appeal will be matched by the Canadian government comes at a critical time for close to two million children affected by Saturday’s devastating earthquake. “The fact that the government has added further incentive for Canadians to contribute over the next two weeks reflects the urgency of the situation facing children left homeless, injured, and traumatized by this horrific disaster,” says Nicole Ireland, spokesperson for UNICEF Canada. “We are literally in a race against time. These children have already survived the worst natural disaster in Pakistan’s recent history, and UNICEF is working around the clock to ensure we don’t lose them to preventable diseases in the aftermath.” The relief efforts have been complicated by rough weather conditions, including heavy rains and landslides that cut off road access to remote regions in northwest Pakistan. Humanitarian agencies are working to reach earthquake survivors in these hard-hit areas, and UNICEF is using helicopters provided by the Pakistani government to gain access. Based on immediate funding needs determined by UN rapid assessment teams, UNICEF has updated its fundraising appeal to $64.3 million USD ($75 million Cdn). These funds are urgently needed to provide 800,000 children and their families with emergency items including blankets, sweaters, boots, plastic sheeting and high-protein biscuits, as well as providing safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and medical supplies to the four million people affected by the earthquake – half of whom are children. Within hours of the disaster, pre-positioned emergency supplies were transported from Karachi in southern Pakistan to the affected areas in the north. This week, critical supplies are continuing to arrive in Mansehra, the hardest-hit district. Supplies delivered earlier this week include 300,000 water purification tablets, 8,000 children’s sweaters, more than 1,700 children’s rubber boots, 6,700 blankets and hundreds of emergency food rations. Primary health care kits, soap and other hygiene and sanitation products are also on their way. Immunization and vitamin A supplementation will be a critical intervention in the days ahead, as cold, wet weather, malnutrition and unhealthy living conditions make children especially vulnerable to diseases like measles and water-borne illness. In addition to children’s physical needs, these funds will also establish programmes to address their emotional health. Psychosocial interventions will include identifying children who have become separated from their parents and working to reunite them with loved ones; ensuring that children, especially those who are disabled or injured, have access to basic social services; and re-establishing education and learning activities to give children a safe, structured and protective environment essential to their normal development. “Children have been absolutely traumatized by this disaster, both physically and emotionally” says Ireland. “We are so grateful to the thousands of Canadians who have responded so quickly, and we can’t overstate the need for continued generosity in the coming days. The Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA) matching programme announced by the Prime Minister provides Canadians with a unique opportunity to maximize the impact of their valued donations, and we appeal to them to respond during this two-week matching period.” Donations to UNICEF Canada’s Pakistan Earthquake Appeal can be made on-line at www.unicef.ca, by telephone at 1-877-955-3111 or cheques can be sent by mail to UNICEF Canada, 2200 Yonge Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON M4S 2C6. UNICEF is the world’s leader for children, working in 157 countries and territories to save, protect and enhance the lives of girls and boys. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, promotes quality basic education, protects children from violence, exploitation and AIDS, and is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing nations. A global leader in emergencies with six decades of on-the-ground experience, UNICEF saves and rebuilds children’s lives in natural disasters and conflict. Celebrating 50 years in Canada in 2005, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, schools, associations and governments. DONATE NOW -30- UNICEF Canada will continue to provide media updates at www.unicef.ca. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Nicole Ireland, National Communications UNICEF Canada Telephone: (416) 482-4444, ext. 831 Cellular: (416) 992-7349 Quote
Weisstara Posted October 28, 2005 Author Posted October 28, 2005 (edited) UNICEF Canada child and youth representatives mark 50th anniversary with Prime Minister Paul MartinThursday, Oct 27, 2005 OTTAWA, October 27, 2005 – Today, Prime Minister Paul Martin helped kick off UNICEF Canada's 50th anniversary Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign by contributing the first loonies and toonies to the collections of UNICEF Canada child and youth representatives. With this year's brand-new, redesigned Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes in hand, nine-year-old Bilaal Rajan and 14-year-old Catherine Brunet met with the Prime Minister to talk about their recent visits to UNICEF school programmes in Africa, and how Canadians can make a difference. "Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF has been a proud Canadian tradition since 1955 – one that truly represents the spirit of Canadians helping vulnerable children around the world," said the Prime Minister. "UNICEF is a global leader for children, dedicated to creating a world where every child can grow up healthy, educated and safe. On behalf of the Canadian government, I extend our congratulations to UNICEF Canada on its 50th anniversary." October 31 is National UNICEF Day by proclamation of the Canadian government. This year, millions of Canadian children will be carrying a new, contemporary Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box, featuring child-friendly images and messages reinforcing how they can change the lives of children around the world while having fun at Halloween. The campaign is focused on raising funds for the Schools for Africa programme, a joint initiative between UNICEF and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The partnership aims to construct and rehabilitate schools, provide furniture and educational supplies, and train thousands of teachers in countries where almost one in two children do not have access to education. Bilaal Rajan, a UNICEF Canada Child Representative, visited UNICEF-supported education programmes in Malawi earlier this month to see firsthand the ways that Canadian kids participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign could help other children in African nations. "The kids I met in Malawi were all enthusiastic to attend school," said Bilaal. "Some do not attend school because they need to work to help their families get food. There is a growing problem of famine there and in the neighbouring countries. By going to school, they get some food, play and learn." Catherine Brunet, a well-known Québec actress and a UNICEF Canada Youth Representative, also saw the incredible need for education facilities during a visit to Burkina Faso earlier this year. "The children I met in Africa were desperate to go to school," said Catherine. "Those who were in school were there in difficult conditions. I saw 177 children in one classroom with one teacher and very few resources like books, papers and pens. I saw children learning in 45 degrees, under straw roofs, squeezed into small seats. Children in UNICEF-supported schools were so grateful for the opportunity to learn and realize their dreams." In addition to the updated collection box, the 50th Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign is introducing new ways for Canadians of all ages in all parts of the country to support Schools for Africa. The "Click-or-Treat for UNICEF On-line Challenge" at www.unicef.ca/tot allows young and old alike to set up a virtual collection box campaign, and those 18 years or older can make tax-receiptable donations. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2005 aims to raise $4 million across Canada. UNICEF is the world's leader for children, working in 157 countries and territories to save, protect and enhance the lives of girls and boys. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, promotes quality basic education, protects children from violence, exploitation and AIDS, and is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing nations. A global leader in emergencies with six decades of on-the-ground experience, UNICEF saves and rebuilds children's lives in natural disasters and conflict. Celebrating 50 years in Canada in 2005, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, schools, associations and governments. -30- Note to broadcasters and photo desks: B-roll footage and photos from both trips will be available following the photo opportunity with the Prime Minister. For more information, please contact: Nicole Ireland, National CommunicationsUNICEF CanadaTelephone: (416) 482-4444, ext. 831Cellular: (416) 992-7349 Muriel Jaouich, Chargée des relations publiquesUNICEF QuébecTéléphone : (514) 288-5134, poste 241Cellulaire : (514) 585-1717 Edited October 28, 2005 by Weisstara Quote
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