UNICEF's Next Generation raises over $400K in first year
UNICEF USA
NEW YORK (April 8, 2010)—In its first year, the UNICEF Next Generation Steering Committee has already produced laudable results. The growing group of 31 members examines the most urgent needs facing the world’s children and funds a range of projects to help meet those needs.
Since its founding, Next Generation has raised and donated a total of more than $410,000 for UNICEF’s lifesaving programs around the globe. These funds include $175,000 specifically for Next Generation’s first project — supporting the use of a revolutionary micronutrient supplement known as Sprinkles. The project will greatly assist UNICEF’s efforts to aid malnourished children in Guatemala.
Proven results in Guatemala
Next Generation members witnessed UNICEF’s invaluable work in Guatemala up close when they traveled to the Central American country in February. They visited the San Andres Xecul Clinic, where some of their donations were enabling the facility to hire and train much-needed staff, provide measuring equipment, and continue to supply families with Sprinkles.
While mothers waited in line at the clinic for their monthly packets of Sprinkles, Next Generation members asked them what they thought about the micronutrient powder. Again and again, mothers told them that Sprinkles has changed the lives, and the futures, of their children. Now their children have more energy and more appetite, the mothers said, and they don’t get sick as often as they used to.
They also said that, unfortunately, there are days when there aren’t enough Sprinkles for everyone. But with the help of UNICEF’s Next Generation, that should soon change.
From strength to strength
Even as Next Generation completed their first fundraising goal, the group was already moving on to their second project. Next Generation members have pledged to raise $50,000 for disaster relief efforts in Haiti before June 30, 2010. With the media focus on Haiti dying down, they have challenged themselves to ensure that children are not forgotten during Haiti's reconstruction.
Next Generation also recently launched a general membership drive. A $500 donation allows young adults (ages 21–40) to get involved in our humanitarian mission. To learn more, please visit www.unicefusa.org/nextgeneration.
