UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)
Media Release

Kiwi celebrities blog for ‘12 Days of UNICEF’ campaign that guarantees delivery of real aid gifts to children

Wellington, 15 December 2009. – Well-known Kiwis including Gareth and Jo Morgan, Hayley Westenra, Ali Mau, Mike McRoberts, Carly Flynn and Roger Hall will be encouraging New Zealanders to shop for a gift that counts.

Each of the UNICEF supporters will write a blog about a particular Inspired Gift (aid gift) that people can buy to improve children’s lives. These include emergency food, water pumps, exercise books and measles vaccinations. While the aid gift is shipped to children in need, the virtual recipient – a friend of family member – receives a card or e-card informing them of the gift.

The ‘12 Days of UNICEF’ campaign runs from 14-25 December and works like an Advent calendar, with a new blog featuring each day. People access the blogs through an electronic doorway at www.inspiredgifts.org.nz

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says that the campaign is a more meaningful way to count down to Christmas.

“As the country moves into high gear for the pre-Christmas shopping frenzy, we encourage people to think how their gift can do the most good.

“Christmas is about the spirit of giving and UNICEF’s Inspired Gifts help to make a real difference in the lives of children.

“Inspired Gifts are actual aid items that UNICEF guarantees will be delivered to children who need them.”

Mr McKinlay says that in the lead up to last Christmas, Kiwis bought Inspired Gifts that helped tens of thousands of children in 26 developing countries. Pencils were the top seller, with 62,000 bought in November alone, and all delivered to developing countries to support children’s education.
    

“UNICEF’s extensive supply and delivery system means that we can reach out to children in even the most remotest of places and make a real difference for children in the developing world.

“With the countdown to Christmas now on in earnest, I urge Kiwis to consider buying an Inspired Gift as their contribution to making the world a better place.

“Even if you leave your shopping to the last minute, you can still go online right up to Christmas day and order your aid gift.”

Mr McKinlay says that UNICEF also has available more traditional gifts for children and adults that will be sent to your loved one directly. These include children’s books and toys, as well as gifts for adults such as diaries, calendars and books.

The full list of bloggers, when they are blogging and their topics:

14/12: Carly Flynn (biscuits); 15/12: Roger Hall (story books); 16 Dec: Gareth Morgan (water pump); 17/12: Jo Morgan (therapeutic nut spread aka Plumpy Nut); 18/12: Mike McRoberts (emergency gift); 19/12: Hayley Westenra (exercise books); 20/12: Leo Bertos (soccer ball); 21/12: Angela Kearney (anti-malarial drugs); 22/12: Jay Reeve (water purification tablets); 23/12: Amber Peebles (therapeutic milk); 24/12: Ali Mau (HIV test kit); 25/12: David Youngmeyer (measles vaccine).

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