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Last-minute gifts that give back: A holiday rescue guide
Publication Date: 2017/12/21
TORONTO, December 21, 2017 – The holidays are fast approaching, which means last-minute gift shoppers are urgently searching for that special something to give their special someone. UNICEF Canada offers this holiday rescue guide, a list of meaningful gifts that will help children in need this season.
“It’s been a tough year for kids. From famine to war to hurricanes, children have borne the brunt of the world’s suffering,” said Simon Chorley, Acting Deputy Director of International Programs at UNICEF Canada. “The great thing is that we can each do something about it. These holidays, Canadians can send real gifts – items like therapeutic food and warm blankets – to vulnerable children around the world. What better gift than to have a real impact on a child’s life?”
Every day, thousands of children around the world die from preventable causes. UNICEF ships Survival Gifts to children in 140 countries to keep them safe, healthy, warm and protected. Through a quick online purchase at UNICEF Canada’s online Survival Gifts store at www.survivalgifts.ca, gifts are sent to some of the world’s most vulnerable children.
“Many of the children UNICEF works to reach are caught in conflict and living in hard-to-reach areas. They’re living in conditions that most Canadians would find unacceptable,” said Chorley. “This holiday season, Canadians can help us make sure that fewer children die by purchasing a UNICEF Survival Gift. We’ll send it straight to a child in need, delivery guaranteed.”
Last year, Canadians bought more than 37 million Survival Gifts, which UNICEF shipped straight to the most vulnerable children.
Five last-minute holiday gifts that give back
For Canadians looking for a convenient way to make a meaningful impact this holiday season, UNICEF Canada recommends these five life-saving gifts:
1) Bed Nets: “Malaria accounts for 800 child deaths a day in Africa,” said Chorley. “An insecticide-treated mosquito net is the most effective way to protect and save young lives.” A set of three bed nets is $11.
2) Plumpy'Nut®: “You can boost a malnourished child’s chance of survival with Plumpy’Nut®, a therapeutic, peanut-based food,” said Chorley. “Three packets a day can help an undernourished child gain up to two pounds in one week, effectively saving their life.” A 21 pack is $12.
3) Water Purification Tablets: “Diarrhea remains a leading killer of young children,” said Chorley. “The gift of clean water for drinking and bathing can mean the difference between life and death for a child.” 4,832 tablets are $31.
4) Restock an Emergency Medical Centre: “From the onset of crises, UNICEF is among the first to arrive with help,” said Chorley. “We support emergency medical centres, which provide vital medical supplies to save children’s lives.” $52 restocks an entire centre.
5) Vaccine Pack: “When we vaccinate kids, we protect them from a host of deadly diseases like tetanus, measles and polio,” said Chorley. “You can help make sure fewer children die from preventable causes.” One pack is $47.
The UNICEF Survival Gifts online store is open 24 hours a day and features more than 60 life-saving items for quick sale.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.