UNICEF Day for Change
Extending a helping hand to children worldwide, making a meaningful difference through a renowned global organization.
Mobilize local communities and small businesses to co-host grassroots fundraising events that drive donations while building brand goodwill around child welfare.
- 'Change for Change' community coin-drive challenge—track and celebrate real-time donation totals on social media
- Partner spotlights: feature local businesses donating raffle items or refreshments to UNICEF events
- Before-and-after storytelling: show how community donations directly impact UNICEF programs (vaccines, clean water, education)
- Employee/volunteer volunteer day tie-in: encourage staff participation in local mentoring or tutoring programs
Getting its start as a temporary agency of the United Nations following World War II, UNICEF (the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) was originally meant to only act with emergency care in mind.
After less than a decade, the folks at the UN realized that this group was vital with its dedication to advocating for and assisting children with health, nutrition, sanitation, safe water, education and other basic needs. So, in 1954, the name was changed to the United Nations Children’s Fund, but the acronym UNICEF is still often used.
From disaster preparedness to disease prevention vaccine programs, UNICEF is always at the ready to offer assistance, aid and resources. In fact, the organization has its largest warehouse in the world in Copenhagen, filled with important disaster relief supplies just ready to send out to any point in the globe with arrival in just 2 to 4 days.
Throughout the calendar year, UNICEF uses different opportunities and events to raise awareness for the needs of children all over the world, in addition to taking donations toward the cause. UNICEF Day for Change is one of many promotions that encourages folks to make a difference in the life of a child.
The idea behind Day for Change is that people can collect the spare change from their pockets for several months at a time. When it is collected together and donated, this spare change can be combined with the spare change of many others – adding up to many thousands of pounds or dollars that can be used on behalf of children.
Host a UNICEF Day for Change Event
Business owners, school teachers, seniors, group workers and others can all get involved with the UNICEF Day for Change by hosting a gathering, party or event in honor of the day. The best way to do this is to have a kickoff event, perhaps six months in advance, where people are invited to learn more about UNICEF and then encouraged to save up their change over the next several months. Invite some local small businesses to make donations such as refreshments or items that can be included in a charity raffle. Then, in honor of the Day for a Change, allow people to bring their change to a donation center to see how fast it adds up. Be sure to keep people apprised on how much the community was able to collect on behalf of the children – which can easily be done through a Facebook group or other social media outlets. From earthquakes to wars, from famines to droughts, people in the local community can feel good about the way they worked together to assist families and children in difficult situations.
Make a Difference for a Child
While it is true that UNICEF is a superb organization that helps children all over the globe, perhaps another good way to celebrate Day for Change would be to consider making the difference in the life of a child who lives locally. This might mean volunteering to tutor a child in an after school program, signing up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, join a local mentoring program or becoming a volunteer coach for a youth sports team. Any quality time that kids can spend with adults who are interested in their lives will show that they care and make a big impact on them for the future! UNICEF Day for Change FAQsWhat is UNICEF?UNICEF works in at least 190 countries to advocate for children, defend their rights and provide them with aid.[1]What is the United Nations?The UN is an intergovernmental organization that works to maintain peace, security, cooperation, friendly relations and more between nations.[1]What does UNICEF stand for?UNICEF stands for the United Nations Children’s Fund.What does UNICEF do?UNICEF helps disadvantaged children with medical care, vaccines, nutrition, education, safe water, protection from violence and much more.[1]