HALLOWEEN IS NOT CANCELED: UNICEF USA LAUNCHES VIRTUAL TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF EXPERIENCE, CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF ICONIC CAMPAIGN

NEW YORK, NY (September 17, 2020) – Today, with only 27% of parents expected to take their children trick-or-treating this Halloween, UNICEF USA is proud to announce the launch of a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF virtual experience. In honor of the 70th anniversary of this iconic, American tradition, this year’s initiative will be comprised of fun, digital and interactive experiences all while teaching children the importance of giving back and fundraising for a socially distanced Halloween.

Beginning October 1st, teachers and parents are encouraged to register and create an online profile by visiting trickortreatforunicef.org where they will receive a Virtual Collection Box with a customized link and QR code. By participating in fun activities and watching educational videos, children will earn Trick-or-Treat Coins that add up to real-life donations. As coins are collected, children will be able to say where they would like their earnings to go, empowering them and connecting their efforts to positive impact for children around the world.     

“After a stressful year for so many children and young people, we know they need a way to have fun this Halloween, while also feeling empowered to give back.” said UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. “Keeping children safe and healthy has always been at the core of UNICEF’s mission and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s virtual offering enables children to safely celebrate Halloween while having fun and learning the importance of giving back.”

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began 70 years ago as a way to help kids affected by World War II. Since 1950, the annual tradition of Kids Helping Kids® - involving donations big and small - has raised $180 million to help UNICEF support children with health care, nutrition, safe water, emergency relief and education.

“For many of us, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF was our first fundraising experience. The iconic, orange box is a powerful memory of how we were empowered as children to help other children all over the world,” said Shelley Diamond, UNICEF USA Chief Marketing Officer.  “While Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is virtual this year, the goal remains the same - to encourage global citizenship and teach the importance of giving back while making Halloween fun and meaningful.”  

Parents and educators are encouraged to visit www.trickortreatforunicef.org to learn more.

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Note to Media
Download logos and multimedia assets at
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About UNICEF USA
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Key Club – National Partner for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
Key Club International will participate again this year, by raising funds for The Eliminate Project, which seeks to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease that claims the lives of thousands of babies and mothers each year. Key Club International, a student-led service leadership program of Kiwanis International, is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. For more information, visit TheEliminateProject.org or KeyClub.org. 

For more information, contact
Nina Marie Costa, UNICEF USA, nmcosta@unicefusa.org