UNICEF Money Collection Starts 10/2

General Info:
Only Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has empowered generations to make lasting change in their global community by colleting donations on Halloween for UNICEF. Through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, Kiwanis family members are fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Key Clubbers have already raised over $1,000,000 in support of HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya, and are hoping to exceed that amount for the Swazi Children Care Project through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2007.

The impact of HIV/AIDS is staggering. 38.6 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. That’s the same number as the total populations of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago combined. There are now more than 15 million children under the age of 18 whose mother, father or both parents have died from AIDS.

Approximately 40 percent of the adult population of Swaziland is infected with HIV, making it the country most seriously affected by HIV/AIDS in the world. Life expectancy has dropped from 61 to 27 years of age in Swaziland.

Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS are especially vulnerable to poor health and nutrition, missed opportunities for education and protection against abuse and exploitation. They are also at great risk of contracting HIV. In many cases, orphans are forced to leave school and end up on the street.

UNICEF and Key Club International have joined together to support the Swazi Children Care Project, a lifesaving program that funds hundreds of “neighborhood care points,” or safe havens, where community volunteers are trained to provide health services, nutritious meals and care to Swaziland's youngest and most vulnerable children. Funds raised will help strengthen existing and establish new care points, by providing basic equipment, hygiene, educational, recreational, and emergency supplies; linking orphans and vulnerable children to essential basic services; training volunteer caregivers; and improving the ability of local organizations to provide community-based services.

This year, we've made it easier than ever to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF! Every K-Kids, Builders Club, Circle K and Key Club will receive a fundraising kit with collection boxes, posters, a DVD and other resources to help you conduct a successful campaign!

By participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, you will help to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide urgent assistance to young people whose lives have already been affected by the disease. Use the resources here, and those in your campaign kit to get your fundraiser started.