Trick or Treat for UNICEF!

Planning for Halloween is harrowing.

For the pass few years now, we have been volunteering for UNICEF’s Trick or Treat for UNICEF campaign to raise money for children of the world. The first year that I did it, the economy was still good. People were in a giving mood. All I had to do, was lay out a bowl of candies, and people were just happy stuffing $20 bills in my box. That year, I didn’t have to fork out my own cash to reach my goal (even though I do donate on a regular basis – in case you think I’m a schmuck who asks for donation but doesn’t give a penny).

The second year, the economy tanked. People were stingy with their cash. At work, I even dressed up as a Harajuku girl to “beg” for money. I even threw a Halloween party, lavished with good food and fun games. Only a handful of truly good friends showed up. At the end of the day, even though we had an awesome time, I dug into the piggy bank to make up for the difference.

This year, with the economy barely on the upturn, I don’t know what the reception will be. How do you ask people to donate when they don’t even have a job?

First of, hubs, Cheh and I are going to be characters from an anime (surprise surprise!). Our props have been ordered and hopefully we can walk around town with it. Secondly, we have to actually scout for donors. Thirdly, making up the event and finding the location.

Last year, a friend had a birthday party at a club and wanted us to join in the celebration. I didn’t think it was appropriate. This year, I’m too lazy to throw an in-house party and I really hope by joining the crowd, we can get more donation for the children.

At the end of the day, it’s not how much you give, even though the money does come in handy.

“You give little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself, that you truly give.” – Khalil Gibran

I choose to volunteer my time with UNICEF because the children of the world are the hope for the next generation. They are not only vulnerable, but precious and will play an integral role in changing the vicious cycle of status quo in the world. There are few issues in the world that are as important and as solvable as saving children. And, because of that UNICEF’s work transcends those things that tend to divide us and our world. Their work ranges from small projects in remote villages to sweeping changes in health care interventions. UNICEF has played a leading role in reducing polio transmission by 99% over the past two decades. They’ve got political capital, allowing them to negotiate cease-fires in war-ravaged countries to immunize children. Over the years, some 100 million children have been immunized against the most common vaccine preventable illnesses, saving 2.5 million children each year and reaching 40% of the world’s children.

UNICEF knows a little education goes along way. An educated woman is 3 – 5 times more likely to raise healthy, educated children, which means her children are much more likely to raise healthy, educated children. UNICEF is able to break the cycle that dooms so many children to malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and illiteracy- all of which contribute to children’s survival.

Whether it’s medicine, health care, education, or emergency relief, UNICEF is able to deliver it faster, and on a greater scale. UNICEF’s goal is simple: we will do whatever it takes to save children’s lives. Only UNICEF has the global experience, resources, and reach to give children the best hope for survival. By working together, we have the power to change the world. When you support the Trick or Treat for UNICEF campaign, you help save a child’s life in a developing country by providing access to better nutrition, clean water, medicine and immunizations, education, and emergency relief.