Press Release

UNICEF and Rihanna Launch “There for the Philippines” Campaign to Help Children Affected by Typhoon Haiyan

UNICEF today launched a new campaign—“There for the Philippines”—to support the immediate and long-term relief efforts for children and families whose lives were upended by Super Typhoon Haiyan. UNICEF Supporter Rihanna helped kick-off the campaign and raise awareness of UNICEF’s work in the Philippines via social media. She also made a $100,000 donation to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. WNBA’s Skylar Diggins, MLB star Robinson Cano and actress Vanessa Hudgens are also participating.

Skylar Diggins, Robinson Cano, Vanessa Hudgens, among celebrities also supporting UNICEF’s aid and recovery efforts

NEW YORK (November 25, 2013) – UNICEF today launched a new campaign—“There for the Philippines”—to support the immediate and long-term relief efforts for children and families whose lives were upended by Super Typhoon Haiyan. UNICEF Supporter Rihanna helped kick-off the campaign and raise awareness of UNICEF’s work in the Philippines via social media. She also made a $100,000 donation to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. WNBA’s Skylar Diggins, MLB star Robinson Cano and actress Vanessa Hudgens are also participating.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support shown during this crisis,” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “The effects of the strongest storm to make landfall have been devastating and the rebuilding process will not happen overnight. UNICEF will be there for as long as it takes to help children and families to recover.”

"Emergencies make headlines, but the recovery continues long after the news cameras leave," said Rihanna. "Having been a fan and supporter of UNICEF's work over the years, I am honored to join them in helping children who have been impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. More than five million kids in the Philippines need our help.  UNICEF is there for them today, and for the long road ahead, and so am I."

The digital “There for the Philippines” campaign asks people to assist UNICEF’s relief efforts by donating funds and sharing the message of the needs of vulnerable children in the hard-hit areas. Participants can change their Facebook profile picture or tweet messages of support.

With nearly 13 million people—including 5.5 million children—affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, UNICEF is rushing lifesaving emergency supplies to the region, including essential medicines, nutrition, safe water and hygiene supplies. UNICEF is also working to reunite children with their families and is setting up safe, protected spaces where children can play, continue their education and resume a sense of normalcy.

To donate or participate in “There for the Philippines,” visit https://www.thereforthephilippines.org/. Find us on Twitter: @unicefusa, #ThereAfterHaiyan; join us on Facebook: UNICEF-USA.

###

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

For additional information, please contact:
Andrea Sioris, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9136, asioris@unicefusa.org