Fieldnotes: Blogging on UNICEF's child survival work in the field

UNICEF made an excellent choice of Clay Aiken for ambassador. His love for the children, the handicapped, and the underprivileged knows no bounds. He has opened the eyes of many "Claymates" who originally liked him because of his personality and voice, but through him, have a better knowledge and understanding of the things he holds dear to his heart, such as UNICEF. His special education background, his personality, and his ability to absorb what is important in his surroundings and the culture he is visiting, allow him to be an integral part of the committee's on which he serves.
Kudo's to Clay and to UNICEF for bringing the plight of the Afghanistan children to our attention

MySpace bulletins have gone out, including one with today's incredible update!!

I really hope we can raise $500,000 by the ten days' end. This outpouring touches my heart.

WOW!! The power of Clay's fans truly is amazing. But let's also not forget - it's a clear reflection of the type of man that Clay Aiken is. He is an inspiration to all of us, and a wonderful teacher. The awareness of these causes that he has brought to my life is a complete blessing.

I plan on forwarding the email I received in hopes of helping the program reach its goal as fast as possible. Also, on MySpace.

Thank you, Clay, and thank you UNICEF for the work you do for children all around the world.

Terrific news that almost already $60,000 was raised and it's only Day 2.

I'm happy to help spread the word of this worthwhile cause at http://therewasaman.blogspot.com/2007/04/unicef-afghanistan.html.

I have received many Google alerts covering Clay's visit to Afghanistan and detailing the needs of children there . The short piece on Good Morning America was heart warming too . As far as Clay's fans ( please , many do not care for the Claymate label ! ) are concerned , we love the man and love a challenge . May this appeal be more successful than any of us can imagine . The children are worth it .

UNICEF, you are so fortunate to have picked up Clay Aiken. This is a very loved and respected man, who has taught many people to love, to share, to help the needy. He has done so by example and through a very enthusiatic spirit to make a difference.
His fans have forwarded Clay's request for Afghanistan to all possible outlets. He knows he can depend on us to do the right thing, as we share a kindred spirit with him, to make a difference.
Clay Aiken is a great man and he will be a very effective Ambassador. You will recognize his gift in the eyes of the children he gets to visit.

It is an honor to help UNICEF help the children of Afghanistan, but please don't call me a Claymate. Thank you.

Many of my Canadian friends and I have donated to Clay's Afghanistan appeal through UNICEF Canada with the link you provided on the page with the thermometer. If our individual donations exceed $50, will we also be eligible for the link to the field report and the special photos?

Many of us tried to donate through the form you posted by e-mail, on the main UNICEF page, and through the fanclub, but were unable to because our Canadian credit cards were rejected.

I would really appreciate information on this because Clay matters a great deal to us as well.

Thanks!

Ditto to what Gina wrote.
It's wonderful that this campaign has taken off like a rocket! I also am helping to spread the word. I have put Clay's [b]Afghanistan Appeal[/b] at the top of the home page of the [b] Generation Clay[/b] website. We do everything we can to support Clay's charitable and humanitarian efforts.

First off, thank you for changing the salutation of the blog to the more inclusive 'fans'!

The awareness of the situation in Afghanistan is high in my area. I live 20 minutes from a Canadian army base that has suffered the loss of many soldiers in this mission. The most recent two soldiers killed by a mine were from here and their bodies are en route home right now. The fact is that the need is great and the mission important. Wider knowledge and understanding is essential to creating change. I am proud of the efforts of all of UNICEF's ambassadors in increasing that awareness. I am especially proud to be a fan of this man who is walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

What a great start! I posted about the appeal on my blog too: Something That Really Happened.

What a great idea securing a teacher as a UNICEF Ambassador of Education. Excellent choice in Clay Aiken...his fans are passionate and happy to support him in all he does...and as long as you're thanking me, you can call me anything you like.

75% already! Wow!! I have spread the word about the appeal to all my friends on myspace through bulletins and have also posted a blog with info about the Afghanistan Appeal and how they can donate. It's amazing to watch those numbers jump in just a short period of time! :)

Absolutely, I have posted Clay's appeal on my blog. I am honored to be able to help in any way possible.

Thanks you all who care about the children.

You can call me anything you like as long as you keep up the good work!

Claymate/Clayfan/flunkie/one who cares

I posted about this wonderful effort on my blog yesterday. Thank you Clay. We are so very proud of you and your work.

http://chexxyspearls.blogspot.com/

WOW! What an amazing amount of money raised in only 2 days. I do believe the target amount will be exceeded.

Clay is an inspiration to all of us and I am so glad that he has brought awareness to this and other great causes.

I hope posted about about this appeal on myspace. The link is below.

Thank you Clay and UNICEF for everything you do for children all around the world.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&pop=1&ping=1

Re: Mr. Aiken
Note to celebrities - THIS is how you use the power and exposure you are given via fame. This is how it's done if you are true to your beliefs. And these can be the results!

Note to UNICEF - May God bless you and all of your efforts on behalf of the children!!

I know that if Clay Aiken asks for help that it is always for a worthy cause. I am proud to be his fan and proud to help UNICEF.

I think that what Clay si doing is wonderful he is helping all those in need and hios fans are so wonderful what a great man
I love him so much

I am posting bulletin on my myspace, and i have the link to donate on my myspace so when people leave me comments they see the donation link =] i am posting a bulletin everyday until it is over! I am so proud of what clay has done and what unicef has accomplished!

It is no surprise that Clay's appeal for educational funds for Afghanistan will meet it's goal in one-third the time. I expect $500,000 -- or more -- will be reached by April 22.

As soon as Clay booked his concert in Cary NC, we filled over 100 hotel rooms and pre-registered about 200 people at a breakfast benefit for UNICEF. Eleven fans from Japan, many from Canada and other countries as well. Fans from all over the U.S. -- and no one even has concert tickets yet! Clay has proven to be an excellent Ambassador for UNICEF, and has demonstrated great leadership in encouraging others to get involved.

I am only sorry that the children in southern Afghanistan could not meet him this time. My prayers are with them as they struggle to continue their education, while dealing with the conflicts in this region.

I cannot wait for the virtual tour and more details on his visit. Everything is displayed on a feature story on the home page at http://awAikening.org -- and the same is spread all across Clay Nation as fast as UNICEF and Clay can get it out here for us to grab!

I am a staunch supporter of UNICF and it is an honor to donate to help the children. After clean water and shelter, education is the most important asset for these children.