The Event
Nigel Fisher - President & CEO, UNICEF Canada
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the inaugural Unite with Art tour. I am very pleased to be a part of this exciting series of art auctions to benefit UNICEF Canada's Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign. Congratulations to Julie Lee and her team for their tireless work for such an important event.
AIDS is redefining childhood for millions of children around the world. Globally 15 million children under the age of 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Many others have lost relatives, teachers, community leaders and other adults who normally provide guidance to children as they grow up. Almost 1,500 children are infected every day. The disease is reversing progress in child health in parts of the world. Children cannot be left to suffer the consequences of this pandemic that is sweeping over them with unprecedented impact.
The suffering of children is the world's greatest shame. It is unnecessary - and there is hope.
The Unite with Art tour is raising money for Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign, which is global in its reach and global in its action. Wherever children are affected by AIDS, UNICEF is there, working to improve their chances at life. But we need so much more in global will and resources. And we need it now.
Your presence at this event demonstrates your commitment to AIDS-affected children. Your art purchase can help UNICEF prevent the transmission of HIV from mothers to children. With your support, UNICEF can provide lifesaving treatment to infected children, including antiretroviral drugs. Together we can protect orphaned and vulnerable children, by giving counselling support, educational supplies and help for their families, and we can promote HIV-prevention in young people, teaching them how they can remain HIV-negative.
You can learn more about the work UNICEF is doing in the field for children affected by HIV and AIDS at www.uniteforchildren.ca.
Thank you for your support.
Nigel Fisher
President & CEO
UNICEF Canada