NEW YORK / GEELONG (May 20, 2021) – The largest vaccine operation in history is underway—and Cotton On is rallying to help. The Cotton On Group is proud to partner with UNICEF as the first global retailer dedicating an in-store and online campaign to help deliver 1 million COVID-19 vaccines to the world’s most vulnerable.

The fundraising campaign kicks off in stores and online today until 4 July, with 100% of proceeds from the sale of Cotton On Foundation products going to support the delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the COVAX response, and diagnostic tests and treatments.  The initial vaccines will protect those most at risk and frontline health care workers and teachers, so they can continue to provide services and care for their community.

“UNICEF is working to reach the most remote and vulnerable communities with vaccines, but they cannot do it alone. Our teams and customers around the world will raise vital funds to help UNICEF to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine and I know they will work hard to raise as much as possible. We have the chance to be remembered as a world that prioritized the most vulnerable, and I’m proud that Cotton On Group are helping UNICEF to do just that,” said Tim Diamond, Chief Executive Officer of the Cotton On Foundation

In addition to helping deliver 1 million COVID-19 vaccines, Cotton On is continuing its own efforts to provide essential health services in Africa and South East Asia, communities where the Cotton On Foundation has an extensive history. 

Since 2007, in partnership with its team members and customers, the Cotton On Group has raised over AUD$120M through the Cotton On Foundation, to deliver quality education around the globe. 

“There has never been a more important time to rally together to help respond to biggest crisis the world is facing right now because COVID-19 isn’t over for anyone, until it’s over for everyone,” said Tony Stuart, Chief Executive Officer of UNICEF Australia.

Purchase select Cotton On Foundation products or donate across Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Rubi, Cotton On Kids, Factorie or Typo stores or shop at cottonon.com to make a difference today.  

One action, one pledge, one global cause. 

www.cottonon.com/unicef

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Quotes

“Through our Foundation’s unique fundraising model, we have supported vulnerable communities for the past 13 years. The impact of this pandemic has been felt right across the world and we’re proud to be part of the solution by helping communities get back on their feet” said Cotton On Group CEO, Peter Johnson.

“Children are only safe if everyone they rely on is safe. Vaccinating healthcare workers means children can get life-saving care. Vaccinating teachers means children can go back to school.” - James Elder, UNICEF Spokesperson

About Cotton On

Launched in Geelong, Victoria - the Cotton On Group has taken its authentic Aussie spirit to the globe.  With eight brands, over 1,300 stores operating in 20 countries, and 18,000 team members, they are one of Australia’s largest global fashion brands.  This major fundraising milestone further cements the Cotton On Group’s role as a purpose led organisation.

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

About the COVAX Facility

COVAX is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world: https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax UNICEF, in collaboration with the  PAHO Revolving Fund, is leading efforts to procure and supply doses of COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the COVAX Facility.  This initiative will lead the procurement and delivery of vaccines for 82 low and lower-middle income countries.

Key statistics

1. An additional 140 million children in developing countries are projected to be in households living below the poverty line. (UNICEF data hub: COVID-19 and children)

2. 188 countries imposed countrywide school closures during the pandemic, affecting more than 1.6 billion children and youth. At least one in three of the world’s schoolchildren – 463 million children globally – were unable to access remote learning during COVID-19 school closures. (UNICEF data hub: COVID-19 and children)

3. As of mid-November 2020, children made up 8% of COVID-19 confirmed cases in South Africa. (UNICEF report: How COVID-19 is changing childhood in South Africa (November 2020)

4. The economic impacts of the pandemic have had a direct impact on the children of South Africa, with an estimated 2.2 million jobs lost in the country between April and June 2020. The loss of income made it more difficult than ever for families to provide for their children – in April 2020 (the first month of the lockdown in South Africa) 47% of households ran out of money for food. (UNICEF report: How COVID-19 is changing childhood in South Africa (November 2020))

5. Due to COVID-19 measures, approximately 80 million children under the age of 1 in at least 68 countries may miss out on receiving life-saving vaccines for preventable diseases including measles. (UNICEF data hub: COVID-19 and children)

6. COVID-19 is increasing global poverty and the nutritional status of the poorest people will deteriorate further. Stunting, which is an impact of poor nutrition, is 2.4 times higher in the world’s poorest children, compared to those in the richest nations, and is likely to increase as a result. (UNICEF data hub: COVID-19 and children)

For more information, contact
Ann Reinking Whitener, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2623, areinking@unicefusa.org