Our story of the month: May 2004

Live, don't let die!, by Sir Roger Moore

© The Globe and Mail - December 4, 2003

"Don't think for a moment that your support can't make a difference. Even a few dollars can bring a child warmth, clean water - and hope". (Sir Roger Moore) Sir Roger Moore and his wife Kristina accepted white hats from Mayor Bronconnier during their UNICEF tour that brought them to Calgary in December 2003.

"For more than a decade, my travels as a UNICEF Ambassador have given me a first-hand view of the harsh realities facing children in developing nations. But I've learned something else that is particularly relevant at this time of year - the difference an individual can make in the lives of children half a world away.

Last month, I visited Edmonton and Calgary to speak at two "Chefs for UNICEF" fundraisers dedicated to raising money for girls' education programs in developing countries. This was not my first visit to Canada - over the past 10 years, I've had the opportunity to meet people in various Canadian cities, from community volunteers to donors, to prominent figures in business and politics, and my impression is one of profound generosity of spirit.

While I was in Edmonton (where I ordered my UNICEF greeting cards, joining thousands of Canadians who make this a part of their holiday tradition each year), I was amazed to learn that since 1949, more than four billion UNICEF greeting cards have been sold in more than 60 countries around the world, including more than 150 million cards in Canada.

This year, the Canadian arm of UNICEF has developed a program in which you can choose one of three "gifts of magic" - water, warmth or education - to give on behalf of a loved one who doesn't need another sweater, another household gadget or even (dare I say!) another James Bond DVD. I find this program particularly poignant, as I'm reminded of the story of the three wise men and the gifts they brought to a baby born in a manger. If we had to choose three gifts for the most vulnerable children in the world, they would have to be gifts capable of making such a difference that the results seem magical. In visiting children around the world, I've seen those kinds of gifts in action. I can't describe what it's like to watch children gathered around a water pump that will bring them clean water for the first time. Millions of children do not have access to this very basic necessity.

Clean water prevents deaths from diarrhea, cholera and malaria.

Even though it's a comfort most of us take for granted, warmth really is a gift for many children. Sadly, recent years have brought much conflict and disaster - emergencies that displace children and their families out of their homes. In Afghanistan in 2001, we saw children left in the cold, without shelter, clothing or even a blanket to wrap up in at night. At a time when there are emergencies occurring around the world every day, children need the warmth of shelter, blankets and clothing more than ever.

Last, but most certainly not least, is education. A staggering 120 million children around the world are denied the opportunity to go to school. Ensuring quality education for all children is a critical issue, not only as an essential part of childhood, but as the cornerstone for the future of a child and her community. Day to day, it's as simple as this: A child in school will learn to read and write, gain confidence and master essential life skills. Over the long term, the impact is much more complex: An education reduces a child's risk of contracting HIV, as well as the risk of exploitation through dangerous child labour, including prostitution. If getting those 120 million children into school isn't urgent, then I don't know what is.

If you think that your holiday contribution can't make much difference, you're wrong. In my travels as a UNICEF Ambassador, I've seen your dollars at work in the field, and in the faces of children I've met. "Ordinary" contributions here make extraordinary things happen in the field. Just think - $10 buys basic school supplies for four children, $25 buys 500 litres of clean drinking water, and $55 buys warm blankets for eight children during an emergency.

The dollars spent on water, warmth and education translate into giving children a childhood, and then a future. Just as I've seen the spirit of generosity among Canadians, I've also seen the spirit of survival among these children.

Thank you on their behalf, and I wish you the very happiest of holidays".

Read our previous stories of the month

August - September - October - November - December 2003

January - February - March - April 2004