Major League Baseball Supports Trick or Treat For UNICEF's 60th Anniversary Campaign

NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Fund for UNICEF expresses its gratitude to Major League Baseball (MLB) for taking time during the World Series to bring attention to the world's most vulnerable children. MLB generously contributed EVI signage during game two of the World Series, and commentators invited viewers to join MLB in recognizing the 60th Anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's initiative that for six decades has been America's premiere kids helping kids campaign.  

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF recognizes MLB as a committed champion on behalf of the world's children.  MLB partnered with the U.S. Fund around Game 2 of the 2009 World Series.  Resources from this initiative were used to support children and families impacted by disasters in the Asia Pacific region.

Following the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, MLB contributed an extraordinary $1mm and mobilized its extensive media inventory to generate awareness and raise funds for Haiti's children.  Additionally, 11 Clubs supported UNICEF's relief efforts through awareness- and fund-raising activities.

Currently, 22,000 children die every day from preventable causes.  MLB's efforts have been invaluable in UNICEF's mission to reduce that number to zero.  

The funds raised will go to supporting UNICEF in its continued efforts to provide lifesaving assistance to children and women in all seven affected countries and help life return to normal as quickly as possible.  Working with governments and civil society partners to provide relief in all countries, UNICEF is leading the efforts in providing water, sanitation and hygiene, education, child protection coordination and the provision of food and nutrition.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, 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.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress—the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 22,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF