It’s that time of year again when we turn our attention to those endless holiday to-do lists. If you haven’t kick-started your Christmas shopping yet, UNICEF Australia has the perfect online shopping solution. By purchasing an item from UNICEF’s range of charity items online, you can send gifts of good health, education or maternal and neonatal care to where they’re needed most.
UNICEF Inspired Gifts are real on the ground items sent to more than 190 countries where UNICEF’s workers have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of vulnerable children. With each gift, a card is sent on your behalf to your friend or loved one, telling them of the charity gift ordered in their name.
But how are these gifts actually used? Here’s UNICEF Australia’s top five selling inspired gifts and how they’re used in the field.
1. Measles vaccines
Measles is a leading cause of death among young children, with an estimated 430 people dying each day from measles. Vaccination campaigns try to reach every child with measles and provide vaccinations as well as deworming medicine and vitamin A. Vaccinations are so important in countries like Guinea-Bissau, where a lack of sanitation, clean water and health facilities mean children are more susceptible to illnesses such as measles.
2. Polio vaccines
This year, Syria experienced its first polio outbreak in 14 years. Conflict and crisis often increases the risk of diseases like polio re-emerging, due to the collapse of health systems, lack of hygiene, lack of access for vaccinators and massive movements of refugees. UNICEF has launched mass polio immunisation campaigns in Syria and surrounding countries, going door-to-door and school-to-school to immunise children.
3. Story books
Every child loves a storybook. In Sierra Leone, UNICEF is using storybooks to help support children recover from years of civil war. Not only are they educational tools for many children whose education has been disrupted, they also support the reintegration of children who may have previously been involved in combat.
4. Micronutrient powder
Micronutrients are poured over a child’s food to enrich their diet and provide them with all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. A lack of micronutrients can cause anaemia, birth defects and can affect a child’s growth development. In Bangladesh, a plain rice diet with few vegetables has a big impact on children’s health. UNICEF not only provides micronutrients to mothers, but provides training on healthy food and how to prepare it.
5. Footballs
Soccer fosters friendships and provides an active outlet for children living in camps, such as those internally displaced people in Haiti. A simple soccer ball not only brings children together but teaches teamwork.
Still searching the net for your Christmas presents? Give a gift that changes lives this Christmas. Browse the UNICEF Inspired Gift range.
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