Written by: Morgan Lennon
As you may have noticed from the excessive amount of decorations around the gym, we really love Halloween! The costumes, the spooky decorations, the candy - everything about Halloween is fantastical and fun. But did you know it’s also a great opportunity to teach your children about how they can help disadvantaged kids around the world? Since its inception in 1950, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has encouraged kids to help other kids while they enjoy their Halloween festivities. Every year we're happy to be a part of this exciting initiative and sponsor our own Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive.
What is UNICEF?
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) provides children services in over 190 countries and reaches millions of children each year. Their work is vital to provide education, immunizations, health care, nutrition, safe water, and emergency relief to children in need.
In 2018 alone UNICEF was able to respond to 285 humanitarian crises around the world. Of every dollar spent, 89 cents goes towards helping children, with the other 11 cents going to fundraising and administrative costs. When you consider the cost of running any multi-national organization, they do an excellent job of making sure the most money possible goes directly to the children they serve.
What is Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF?
The Trick-or-Treat program is celebrating its 69th year of empowering kids to help other kids. Over the years, kids have raised over $175 million dollars through this amazing program. Often, charitable organizations don’t have an easy way for kids to contribute, but Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF allows them to see the fruits of their efforts first hand.
Kids can take their Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box (available at LIC Kids Gymnastics) with them while they're trick or treating and ask people if they would like to donate their spare change. When Halloween is over, they donate that change directly to UNICEF or return it to a partner organization, like us, to be donated. It’s that simple!
Why should my child participate when I could just donate myself?
While every donation is welcome, we encourage kids to participate in the program because it's a great teachable moment. They're excited to get to participate and contribute to helping other kids - and we promise it'll feel better than a sugar high!
Comments