When it comes to holiday gifting, each of us strives for that ‘wow’ result from the recipient. We want our loved ones to know just how much we care, with the representation of a gift. Yet, what if that present for them could be a hidden life-changing gift to others at the same time. Are you familiar with the gifts that give back?
Unicef Canada has a gifting alternative this year, perhaps you’ve seen mention of their #UnBoxPossibilities campaign. This buzz focuses on survival gifts for those people that simply want the basic necessities of life and not the latest tech gadget, jewelery piece and hottest toy.
Giving back is something that we as a family, do often. As a parent, I strive to teach my kids the importance of sharing, caring, and empathy – for themselves, the people around them, and for the world as a whole.
If you look on the grander scale, we are extremely fortunate here in Canada, and it’s fact that people in parts of the world are not. My mind always wanders to ‘what if that were my kid?‘, since I think it’s really the luck of the draw that we were born here and not in a place that requires one to seek out drinkable water.
It’s about being thankful for what you have and using our resources to say, ‘we recognize the need and are willing to help where we can‘.
Unicef has wide variety of survival gifts available on their site for purchase. While many donate funds through the year, I love the idea of actually buying tangible things to give.
So that afterward, you know exactly what you gave and how it helps those less fortunate. Here is just a small example of the survival gifts that can make a huge difference to those that need them.
- Keep vulnerable babies snug and warm with a set of six blankets. This gift will wrap babies in comfort and security, protecting them from cold and illness.
- $22 gives 6 blankets
- Boost a malnourished child’s chance of survival with this therapeutic, peanut-based food. Approximately three packets a day will help a malnourished child gain up to two pounds in one week, promoting health and well-being.
- $50 will give 210 packets
ANTI-MALARIA TABLETS
- Give children a better chance of good health. Anti-malaria treatment tablets help children fight this deadly disease that kills hundreds of thousands of children every year.
- $11 will give 113 anti-malaria pills
- Provide a family of four with enough clean water for two months, including water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. The gift of water purification tablets can mean the difference between life and death for a child.
- $10 gives 1428 water purification tablets
- Help families in times of crisis when they are cut off from food supplies. This effective, nutrient-packed gift staves off malnutrition in children.
- $43 will give 60 packets of Plumpy’Nut, 60 powdered milk sachets and 60 micronutrient powder sachets
When browsing the survival gifts at UNICEF, think of how simple these gifts are. Blankets, drinkable water, first aid kits … aren’t these the best gifts to give?
I urge you to check out www.youtube.com/unicefcanada, which shows the impact of survival gifts, and please support the #unBOXPossibilities conversation and help spread the word on these essential gifts that give back.
This Christmas, extend your gratitude to those that that need the basics of life – it’s what the season of giving is all about.
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This is a sponsored post yet, as always, my opinions are 100% my own.
Melissa P says
12/12/2014 at 10:27 amWe need more UNICEFs in this world. The work they do is amazing. We should all step outside of ourselves every once in a while and see the need around us.
Anne Taylor says
12/12/2014 at 11:57 amUNICEF is an organization that I genuinely feel safe to donate too! Thanks for sharing this message!
Shauna says
12/12/2014 at 1:11 pmYou know, I always remember to buy for the kids around here, but have never thought of helping through Unicef. What a great idea. Thanks so much
Maria says
12/12/2014 at 1:22 pmNot all organizations are donation-worthy. UNICEF is not one of those organizations. UNICEF if most definitely worthy of everyone’s attention.
Jennifer says
12/12/2014 at 2:04 pmUNICEF is one of those organizations that just restores my faith in humanity. They do such good work.
Meagan says
12/12/2014 at 3:19 pmIt’s so great to know that organizations such as UNICEF are out there! What a great reminder of giving during the holiday season!
Jenna Wood says
12/12/2014 at 3:29 pmWow its hard to believe $3 could do so much good for a family! We always try to donate towards UNICEF throughout the year, its great to see how the numbers add up.
Robin says
12/12/2014 at 4:43 pmUNICEF is a great organization. I love the work they do!
Dawn says
12/12/2014 at 6:02 pmThis is such a bittersweet post. It breaks my heart that there are children in the world suffering, but I’m glad to know that UNICEF is out there making a difference.
Our Family World says
12/12/2014 at 7:21 pmUNICEF is really great, it’s organizations like this that are actually making a difference!
Kathleen says
12/12/2014 at 8:49 pmThis is s great to know about. It amazes me how such a small amount of money can make such a huge difference in the lives of others.
Lisa Bristol says
12/12/2014 at 8:51 pmUnicef is such an amazing organization. I like how you can donate to buy specific items.
Liz Mays says
12/12/2014 at 9:47 pmThey really have the right idea! I’m loving this campaign!
Libby says
12/12/2014 at 10:17 pmMy kids used to “Trick or Treat” for UNICEF. I haven’t thought about that for years. What a great cause to donate to, especially at this time of year.
Lori JB says
12/13/2014 at 6:48 amThis is such a great way to give back! Each year we choose items to “gift” to teachers, neighbours, mail carriers, etc. I purchase a bed net for each child on my shopping list. My girls now consider it a Christmas tradition!
Dee says
12/13/2014 at 7:00 amI love this organization but tend to only see it in my area around Halloween. No one ever takes donations around here after that.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
12/13/2014 at 7:25 amAwe this is so sad. I did not know all the Unicef did, what an amazing charity.
Jennifer Sikora says
12/13/2014 at 7:43 amThe young kids at our church did a bake sale and used the money raised to purchase chickens and goats for a village in another country. It was great to give back. Unicef is one of my favorite programs.
Teresa Claire says
12/13/2014 at 10:38 amThis is a great post…I didn’t realize exactly how UNICEF worked to help and now I do…the website idea is perfect for giving throughout the year.
Ann Bacciaglia says
12/13/2014 at 12:19 pmThis is an amazing organization. It is amazing how many things a small donation can buy.
DARLENE W says
12/14/2014 at 10:19 amHave always been a supporter of Unicef
Ann Bacciaglia says
12/14/2014 at 5:52 pmI like how you show the breakdown of what your money can buy. It is amazing how much so little can do.
Tea & Nail Polish says
12/15/2014 at 5:09 pmIt is amazing how budget friendly some options are to help so many people
Lori JB says
12/18/2014 at 6:26 amUnicef has always been a great go to for people on my list that are hard to buy for. They are great for teachers/school bus drivers. I try to match a “gift” with the person. Each year, I get a bed net for each of the children on my list.