Where family values meet global impact 

If you ever get the chance to travel with UNICEF Canada, it might look a little different... You might find yourself in a competition to build boxes, watch ‘Robert the Robot’ pack supplies, and visit the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.   

This is exactly what donors from UNICEF Canada’s Women UNlimited did when they visited UNICEF’s Supply Division in Copenhagen with their children.  

Supply Division is UNICEF’s global supply hub and the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world. It’s all part of a 250-warehouse network that UNICEF manages across 70 countries, delivering critical supplies to support children’s health, education, protection, and more. From here, UNICEF can respond to emergencies with lifesaving supplies in as little as 24 to 72 hours. 

 “School in a box” kits full of learning supplies? Check. Bed nets that protect from disease-carrying mosquitos? Check. Emergency hygiene and dignity kits for girls? Check. 

This experience was a family visit with purpose for our donors and a chance to see their impact made real.  

Here’s what it meant to them in their own words. 

Helen and Jasper, 10 

I have been a UNICEF supporter for the past five years, and throughout that time I have witnessed the depth and impact of UNICEF’s work firsthand. I have always admired how comprehensive UNICEF’s approach is, supporting children and families through a full cycle of care—from education to health and protection.  

Visiting the UNICEF warehouse brought this to life in a new way. Seeing how supplies are carefully coordinated, stored, and prepared for delivery offered a powerful reminder of the scale and precision required to respond to the needs of children around the world. 

What stood out most was understanding how this work is made possible through collaboration. Governments, partner organizations, corporate supporters, and individual donors all play a vital role in ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. 

Sharing this experience with my son, Jasper, made the visit especially meaningful. It allowed me to connect my own journey as a UNICEF supporter with the values I hope to pass on to him. Teaching my children the importance of giving back is central to our family, and I believe deeply in the idea that generosity creates a lasting ripple effect.   

“My favourite thing was the big crane that was moving all the boxes. I’ve never seen something like that before. Visiting UNICEF’s supply hub made me happy because we’re helping other children in the world.” Jasper, 10 

Maria and Mateo, 10 

When anyone mentions Copenhagen in conversation, Mateo, my 10-year-old son, perks up and is quick to say that the world's biggest humanitarian warehouse lives in the city. He then adds that this is of course UNICEF’s Supply Division, and that he got to visit it recently on a very special family visit.   

Mateo and I had the opportunity to do two amazing things during our day at the Supply Division. First, to look in: at our values and the principles that are important to our family (kindness was the big one). At the same time, we also were able to gaze out: to see ourselves in all the children, and their families living around the world, and realize that we are all the same. 

Copenhagen is a special place for us now, and I am sure this trip will define our mother/son relationship, and how we see our places in the world. We left the warehouse with a sense of purpose and responsibility, and we were in awe at the massive scale of UNICEF’s operations. We were inspired to work in our smaller spheres to help those around us, because in Mateo’s words, “we believe every child deserves happiness.” 

“We believe every child deserves happiness.” Mateo, 10 

Sophia and Willa, 10 

Seeing the scale, care, and precision behind UNICEF’s emergency relief efforts was incredibly powerful. The UNICEF team and warehouse staff were exceptional—knowledgeable, passionate, and deeply committed—bringing every process and supply to life through their stories and dedication. Ensuring that emergency relief reaches communities as quickly and effectively as possible, by any means necessary, is essential to saving lives. Learning about the evolution of this work—from milk transported in metal bins on the backs of camels to today’s use of state-of-the-art technology—was especially compelling.  

For Willa, the experience was eye-opening. She was especially moved by the small packets of therapeutic nutritional paste, amazed that something so simple could save a child’s life. “I couldn’t believe something so small could save a child from starvation,” she shared.  

The traveling emergency incubator also left a lasting impression, particularly meaningful as Willa herself was born premature and spent her first months in an incubator. 

Spending the day alongside like-minded families from around the world, united by a shared commitment to helping children, made the experience even more meaningful. Sharing this moment with my daughter brought our family values to life and reinforced how compassion, strategy, and global collaboration can truly change—and save—lives. 

“It made me grateful to live in Canada and hopeful that other babies can get the help they need.” Willa, 10 

Teresa and Eva, 10 

Seeing Supply Division firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for the scale, care, and coordination behind UNICEF’s work. 

I’ve had the opportunity to travel with UNICEF on program visits and have seen these supplies in action — supporting children and families in real, often urgent situations. That made it especially powerful to then see the behind-the-scenes work: how these items are carefully stored, prepared, and mobilized so they can be deployed quickly wherever children need help most. The sense of readiness — knowing support is already planned and in motion before a crisis hits — really stayed with me. 

As a family, we believe it’s important for our children to understand empathy and global responsibility in real, tangible ways. Sharing this experience with Eva sparked meaningful conversations about gratitude, compassion, and how even small actions can help make a difference. 

“I didn’t realize how many different things were needed to help children during emergencies. Seeing all the boxes ready to be sent helped me understand how UNICEF helps children around the world and made me want to find more ways to help kids in need.” Eva, 10 

Lauren and Rose, 16 

I have been a UNICEF donor for over a decade and the impact I have seen on communities and individuals has touched my heart. And I’ve seen it again here today – the scale and impact of UNICEF’s work.  

“Seeing UNICEF’s work makes me realize it’s empowering dreams for so many children around the world” Rose, 16 

Find out more about UNICEF Canada's philanthropic giving and social impact initiatives here.