Global Citizenship: Trick-or-Treat

Last fall, as the Boston Global Citizenship Fellow, I had the privilege of being part of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. The campaign was everywhere in Boston: in schools, in shops, at community events, farmers markets, and at private fundraisers. The amount of energy that people put into raising awareness and funds for UNICEF was incredible. Here are some of my favorite Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF moments.

This February UNICEF’s first group of Global Citizenship Fellows will graduate after a year of service on behalf of UNICEF. Global Citizenship Fellows work as grassroots spokespersons for children, inspiring communities to act on behalf of children around the world. As the first group of fellows graduates, they look back at some of the highlights of their year. Leigh Forbushis the 2012 Boston Global Citizenship Fellow.

U.S. Fund for UNICEF's Global Citizenship Fellow  Boston Leigh Forbush Leigh Forbush (center) with volunteers at the Beacon Hill Block Party.

 

Last fall, as the Boston Global Citizenship Fellow, I had the privilege of being part of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEFcampaign. The campaign was everywhere in Boston: in schools, in shops, at community events, farmers markets, and at private fundraisers. The amount of energy that people put into raising awareness and funds for UNICEF was incredible. Here are some of my favorite Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF moments from the Fall:

  • Kicking off the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign at the Beacon Hill Block Party on September 16! With the help of UNICEF volunteers, New England Regional Board members and UNICEF donors, we gave out over 100 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes in just a few hours.
  • Visiting students at schools throughout Massachusetts who Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF—shout-outs to Derby Academy, Milton Academy, Park School, Advent School and Underwood. Whether I was presenting in classrooms or at an entire school assembly, students were eager to share their stories and why they Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. One of the best parts was seeing smiles appear on students’ faces as I put on Patches, a big pumpkin Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF costume, for effect!
  • Decorating Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes with 800-plus kids at community events. In October we were invited to have craft tables at both Franklin Park Zoo’s Zoo Howl event and Hill House’s Halloween Party. Hundreds of children customized their very own Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box using crayons, markers, feathers, googly eyes, glitter and more! Many matched their boxes to their costumes, while others let their imagination run wild.

All in all, we had a highly successful Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF season in Boston, and more people than ever learned about the importance of UNICEF’s work. Many took steps to join us, and whether Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF, hosting a fundraiser or simply learning more, they all helped UNICEF achieve a day when ZERO children die of preventable causes.