UNICEF unveils ‘bus-size’ baby blanket to MP mums

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)

Media Advisory

Mother’s Day event -- UNICEF unveils ‘bus-size’ baby blanket to MP mums
Issued: Thursday 7 May 2009

WHAT
The UN Children’s Fund is celebrating Mother’s Day by presenting a giant baby blanket to Parliament’s mums.

Mothers Hon Tariana Turia, Dr Jackie Blue, and Hon Annette King will be among the MPs receiving the blanket and a petition highlighting the need to do more to stop mother to child transmission of HIV.

The multi-coloured blanket of some 2,800 squares – more than double the target of 1,400 – has been knitted and crocheted by people around New Zealand and is large enough to cover a Wellington bus.

Dance troupe the Real Hot Bitches will provide entertainment after the presentation.
The giant blanket will later be divided into baby-sized blankets and delivered to new mums in Papua New Guinea.

WHY
The Unite for Mothers campaign is raising awareness about mother to child transmission of HIV in the developing world and prevention strategies. The original 1,400 knitted square target represents the number of children under 15 years old who contract HIV every day. More details at www.unicef.org.nz

WHERE
Parliament Gardens (in front of the statue of Richard Seddon)
Wet weather alternative: Capital E, Civic Square

WHEN
Sunday 10 May, 3.00pm – 4.00pm

The public are welcome to attend.

ENDS

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