Help UNICEF Australia celebrate the World Education Games between 6-8th March 2012, where students from around the world will participate against each other in maths, science and spelling games. NO cheating on your computers! This amazing initiative will feature some 5.5 million students from over 200 countries, and you can take part too!

The games will be spread out over 3 days, featuring -

• 6th March – World Spelling Day
• 7th March – World Maths Day
• 8th March – World Science Day

This amazing set of educational games will see participating schools unite together through competition and help support UNICEF’s ‘School-In-A-Box’ program. These fantastic bits of kit feature all the essentials a teacher needs to provide an education to supplement a school with minimal resources or after a disaster.

If you would like to take part in the World Education Games, simply click on the link below to register your interest in what is sure to be an amazing fundraising day for schools across the world.

> > Click here to register with UNICEF Australia

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia is asking for your help to deliver clean water and sanitation to the 15,000 families that have been affected by the floods in Southern Philippines. The children’s charity are hoping to raise US$4.2 million to help the local people who experienced the equivalent of one month’s rainfall in just one day. Due to the resulting floods, at least 957 people were killed with another 49 still missing.

Chief Executive of UNICEF Australia, Norman Gillespie, said -

A lack of clean water and sanitation facilities is of great concern at the present time, as we know children are highly vulnerable to diarrhoeal disease and dehydration. UNICEF is on the ground to support the government’s efforts, and is working round the clock to provide for the many children and families affected. We are also carefully monitoring the safety of children in the very overcrowded evacuation centres. UNICEF and its partners will stay as long as needed to get these families and communities back on their feet. Whilst our current focus is immediate needs, we will soon be turning our attention to how communities can be better prepared and warned to reduce the risk of disasters, and prevent such a massive loss of life.

There are estimated to be some 200,000 children affected by the floods, and they are in desperate need of clean water, food, medicine and sanitation. The water systems of the two main affected areas have been totally destroyed, so UNICEF charity officials have been working hard to dispatch emergency water solutions.

Simply click on the link below if you would like to make a donation and help support UNICEF’s response to the terrible tragedy that has devastated a huge part of the Southern Philippines. Every little helps, please give generously if you can. Thank you.

> > Click here to make a donation

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia is asking you to say ‘No to Naff’ this Christmas and choose an Inspired Gift. We all know what to expect these days in your festive stocking. A selection of socks you don’t want, some shower gel that a skunk would turn his nose up to, and a knitted jumper with a picture of a Reindeer on it. Nice!

So why not flip the script this year and ask for the money that is spent on tat to be put towards a UNICEF Inspired Gift? You could even give one too if you’re a bit stuck for a gift for a friend or a loved one. By saying ‘No to Naff’, you could be helping some the world’s poorest children to a better start in life. There’s loads of virtual charity gift ideas to choose from, with UNICEF working in 155 countries across the globe.

So say ‘No to Naff’ this Christmas and ask for a charity gift that will make a real difference for kids who need them most.

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia were pleased to see one of their most famous ambassadors, David Beckham, take time off from a farewell tour with his football team LA Galaxy to visit a UNICEF-supported children’s shelter in Manila, Philippines. Beckham, a UNICEF ambassador since 2005, is touring with the Galaxy around the Phillipines before maybe moving back to Europe, possibly even the Premiership in January.

He took time to speak to the children at the shelter, and even took part in sewing sessions, art classes and was entertained by a rap and dance session. David even found the time to take part in a 20 minute football game with the children, many of whom were abandoned by their parents.

David, said -

It’s so important to have a dream. As a Dad with young children, I can’t imagine how life was for these children. UNICEF is doing incredible work for street children in Manila. A simple game like football build self esteem and offers a road back to community life. All these children have been failed by adults in the crucial early years of their lives. I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my parents – every child deserves that, every child deserves a second chance.

With up to 100 million children living and working on streets across the world, it is charities such as UNICEF who work tirelessly on the front line providing medicine, shelter and education for those that have been abandoned without hope. It’s thanks to your kind donations that this work can continue across the globe in some of the world’s poorest countries. Please help by purchasing a charity gift or making a donation. It’s quick, easy, and could help provide hope for a child where there is currently none.

David added -

UNICEF knows that simple gifts like footballs and story books can transform a child’s life.

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a football with UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia is pleased with the announcement that the Australian Labour Party will be appointing a National Children’s Commissioner. This fantastic news is an important step towards providing better protection for children, and their rights across Australia for the foreseeable future.

Chief Executive of UNICEF Australia, Dr Norman Gillespie, said -

The ALP committing in their party platform to appoint a National Children’s Commissioner clearly recognises the need to give voice to children and young people who are so often excluded from the decisions that affect them. It is time children were given a voice at the national level and this decision is a great step forward for young people in Australia.

The need for a National Children’s Commissioner was first raised and recommended to the Australian Government by the UN Committee’s ‘Rights for the Children’ programme alongside the recent ‘Listen to Children’ report. With the government now putting into place a Commissioner,  Australia can now guarantee that children’s rights will be at the forefront of national debate and funding, something that should be celebrated and built upon for future generations.

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia is pleased with the continued fall in HIV/AIDS numbers on the eve of World Aids Day which kicks off on Wednesday 1st December 2011. Their latest study, the “Report on the Global HIV/AIDS Response”, shows a 15% reduction of new infections over the last ten years, plus a 22% decrease in AIDS-related deaths in the last five years. These fantastic figures show that the increased access to HIV services and treatment alongside information and education has been working tremendously across the globe.

Chief Executive of UNICEF Australia, Norman Gillespie, said -

It has taken the world three decades to achieve this level of momentum. There is now a very real possibility of getting ahead of the epidemic. But this can only be achieved by both sustaining and accelerating this momentum over the coming years. 2011 has been a game changing year. With new science, unprecedented political leadership and continued progress in the AIDS response, countries have a window of opportunity to take their responses to the next level. By investing wisely, countries can increase efficiencies, reduce costs and improve on results. However, gains made to date are being threatened by a decline in resources for AIDS.

Hopefully the continued advancement in HIV science and education can help to improve the effectiveness of HIV programmes across the world. The 15% reduction in new infections is hopefully just the start of the worldwide fight against AIDS, that it appears we are on the right track towards winning.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries to promote and protect children from AIDS through education and training. The also offer more vaccines than any other charity in the world whilst supporting child health, nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and education for all boys and girls across the globe, no matter their situation.

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Tuesday 6th December 2011 is UNICEF Australia ambassador Tim Cahill’s 32nd birthday, and why not celebrate with him by purchasing a football to help vulnerable children around the world. This professional quality charity gift will be given to children who don’t have access to sporting gear in the world’s poorest communities.

As a player and manager myself, I don’t know what my life would have been like if I hadn’t had a football to play with at an early age. There could be the next great player out there waiting to play the game but due to a lack of equipment they may never get a chance to fulfil their potential. All children should have the right to play, exercise and have fun, and with this gift you could be unlocking the dreams of a child in one of the world’s poorest areas.

Tim said -

I’ve been playing football for as long as I can remember and it has been the catalyst for huge change in my life.  With a football from UNICEF Inspired Gifts you can provide a catalyst for change in a child’s life. Football injects joy and laughter into even the most remote corners of the world, from schools to refugee camps.

There’s a huge selection of UNICEF’s Inspired Gifts to choose from, including -

• vaccines
• medicines
• water containers
• education materials

all of which will be delivered to children and communities most in need. So why not help celebrate Tim’s birthday with him this year and give the gift of a football with UNICEF Inspired Gifts today.

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a football with UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia are delighted with the news that furniture giants IKEA will be making them a 1 Euro donation for every cuddly bear sold in their Soft Toy Campaign. The concept started back in 2003, and this year the goal is to raise an amazing 12million Euros to help education programs worldwide.

Last year an astounding 11.4million Euros was raised, with the money being spent by UNICEF and Save the Children in 22 countries across the globe. This fundraising effort is believed to have helped an amazing 8 million children to a better education, no matter their circumstances.

UNICEF Australia Chief Executive, Dr Norman Gillespie, said -

Education is a fundamental human right: Every child is entitled to it. When we ensure that children have access to a rights-based, quality education that is rooted in gender equality, we create a ripple effect of opportunity that impacts generations to come. Yet sadly, 69 million children around the world are denied their right to a quality education due to things like poverty, disability, displacement, discrimination or cultural customs.

All you need to do is buy a soft toy either instore or online from IKEA before midnight on Christmas Eve 2011 to help give a child the education they deserve. There’s a great range to choose from and would make the perfect festive gift to a friend or loved one.

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF Australia will be holding their annual benefit lunch on Thursday 24th November 2011 at The Westlin, Sydney. This great afternoon of awesome entertainment will the likes of radio presenter Adam Spencer (seen below), Roy & HG, plus singer/songwriters Tim Freedman and Josh Pyke.

With up 22,000 children dying every day from preventable causes, UNICEF believe that this number should be ZERO. A death toll this high from malnutrition, unsafe drinking water and lack of basic medicine needs to be stopped in it’s tracks now, and that is what UNICEF endeavour to do with your help.

Tickets for this great event are available for $250 per person, and are available by clicking on the link below. You can also book at table for 10 at a discounted rate if you would like to take some business colleagues along to what is sure to be a fabulous luncheon.

> > Click here to book tickets

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Prince William and new new bride Kate, made a special visit to UNICEF’s Emergency Supply Centre in Copenhagen, helping to put the spotlight back on the humanitarian crisis in East Africa. With so many people facing not only a drought but also high food prices and conflict, over 320,000 children in Somalia are at severe risked of starving to death without urgent help.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Supply Centre in Copenhagen in the company of Frederik and Mary, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. The warehouse itself is huge, almost the same size of three football pitches! Stored there are all the essential supplies that are transported across the globe to help UNICEF charity workers carry out their front line work where it’s needed most, including food, water, vaccines and emergency medical kits.

UNICEF Australia’s Executive Director, Dr Norman Gillespie, said -

UNICEF is working tirelessly to ensure that children’s lives can be saved across East Africa. Every day UNICEF is able to supply children are being given food and water thanks to the huge generosity of the public all around the world. But there is so much more to be done. As we speak more than 320,000 children are in grave danger and need life-saving emergency supplies, like those being shipped and airlifted from our warehouse today. UNICEF Australia sincerely thanks the public and our government for the compassionate response they have shown towards the children of East Africa. Your donations are saving children’s lives. However, millions more children continue to need life saving assistance and UNICEF intends to be there for every child.

UNICEF charity officials are working hard in Somalia, and have already delivered 10,000 metric tonnes of supplies to the Horn of Africa, whilst also carrying out  -

• 1.2 million vaccinations against measles
• Provided 2.2 million people with safe water
• Given 48,000 children access to child-friendly spaces

The support from the Australian public has so been amazing, with the government also agreeing to match every dollar donated through UNICEF during the month of  November 2011. With the region gripped by the worst drought in decades, more needs to be done to help the children who are in desperate need of urgent assistance.

> > Click here to make a donation

Help Support UNICEF Australia with a Charity Gift

You can help raise funds with UNICEF Inspired Gifts. Presents start at just $10, and for a little as $32 you could buy a virtual charity gift like a football and pump for children in refugee camps to free their minds and experience the ‘beautiful game’.

There are so many to choose from, and these thoughtful gifts would make an ideal present for a loved one…

it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

> > Click here to purchase a UNICEF Australia Inspired Gift

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."