Kim Raver named spokesperson for for "Drink 1, Give 10" campaign
A campaign created by Volvic to help UNICEF provide safe drinking water to children in Africa
NEW YORK (May 14, 2008)—Critically acclaimed actress, Kim Raver, was recently named spokesperson for the "Drink 1, Give 10" campaign. The unique campaign seeks to assist UNICEF in addressing the lack of access to clean water in Ethiopia by designing efficient water supply systems, building wells and latrines and providing hygiene and sanitation education.
"I am honored by this new role and look forward to supporting the 'Drink 1, Give 10' campaign which will help UNICEF provide clean water to children in Ethiopia," Raver said. "For me, access to safe drinking water is not just a right—it is a necessity and we should all support UNICEF’s mission to raise awareness for the staggering number of children who are deprived of this basic need and help save lives."
More than 2.6 billion people—forty percent of the world's population—lack basic sanitation facilities, and over one billion people still use unsafe drinking water sources. As a result, thousands of children die every day from dehydration caused by diarrhea as well as other water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases, and many more suffer and are weakened by illness.
Ms. Raver will join Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, to formally launch the "Drink 1, Give 10" campaign at a press conference on May 14 at UNICEF House in New York.
"Every day, thousands of children die from lack of sanitation, poor hygiene practices and contaminated drinking water," said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "The Volvic 'Drink 1, Give 10' campaign will help UNICEF provide safe water and sanitation to children in Ethiopia, which is critical to saving lives."
The Volvic "Drink 1, Give 10" campaign launched in the U.S. and Canada on April 1st. For every liter of Volvic bottled water purchased between April 1 and August 31, in both 2008 and 2009, Volvic will make a donation to enable UNICEF to provide at least ten liters of clean, safe drinking water to residents in two districts of the Benishangul-Gumuz region of western Ethiopia. More than half the population in these rural districts lack access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Volvic has pledged a minimum of $500,000 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF over the course of this two year campaign.
The partnership marks the first time that the bottled water brand and the international children's agency will collaborate in a cause-related marketing campaign in North America. The international Volvic promotion has already generated over $2 million to support UNICEF water programs in Africa through the sale of Volvic in Germany, France and Japan.
The funds raised through the North American "Drink 1, Give 10" campaign will not only enable UNICEF to dramatically increase the availability of clean drinking water in western Ethiopia through projects including the digging and maintenance of wells, but will also support integrated water and sanitation programs in the region. Over the span of two years, Volvic North America’s donation will result in over 25,000 community members gaining access to not only clean water but also sanitation and hygiene education services.
"Volvic recognizes the impact that clean drinking water can have on a community and we are committed to doing our part to help children in rural Ethiopia survive and thrive through access to this vital element," said Olivier Sonnois, CEO of AMI Brands. "Together with Kim, we look forward to increasing the awareness of this initiative whose fundamental success relies on word of mouth and genuine belief that all of us can make a difference, through everyday simple actions. We could not hope for a more passionate and genuine spokesperson than Kim to embark on this journey with us."
More details about this campaign can be found at www.drink1give10.com.
About Volvic
Since first bottled in 1958, Volvic has expanded around the world continuously to become one of the largest brands in its sector. Volvic is sold in more than 60 countries throughout the world. For more information, visit www.volvic-na.com.
AMI Brands, LLC is the exclusive importer of Volvic Natural Spring Water and Badoit Sparkling Natural Mineral Water in United States and Canada. The company focuses on marketing and distribution of healthier beverages. For more information about AMI Brands, please visit www.amigrp.com.
About Kim Raver
Actress Kim Raver, best known for her roles on television's "24" and "Third Watch", returns this Fall for the second season of NBC's "Lipstick Jungle," from the creators of "Sex and the City." Film credits include "Night at the Museum," with Ben Stiller, "Prisoner," opposite Julian McMahon, and "City Hall" with Al Pacino.
About UNICEF
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in over 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact:
Carla Sastre, AMI Brands, LLC, 646.257.4943, csastre-canet@amigrp.com
Richard Alleyne, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9177, ralleyne@unicefusa.org
