TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW
What is Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF?
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, a Halloween tradition beloved by generations, is one of Canada's longest running youth fundraising activities and often a child's first philanthropic experience. Children across Canada raise funds to improve the lives of their most vulnerable peers around the world.
In 2006, UNICEF Canada revitalized the programme. Rather than simply carrying a coin-collection box on Halloween night, schools now take part in creative fundraisers throughout the Halloween season. Canadian children team up with their peers, teachers and parents to fundraise in innovative, fun and exciting ways, while learning about the world around them. Symbolic walks, pumpkin-carving contests and art auctions are just some of the ways fundraising takes place to continue the tradition of kids helping kids.
Who participates in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF?
The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign is run mainly through elementary schools across Canada. There are, however, many opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate including donating securely online at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca, conducting a fundraiser in support of UNICEF, or volunteering.
When does the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign start?
The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign runs the last two weeks of October, culminating on October 31 — National UNICEF Day.
Why did UNICEF Canada change the Trick-or-Treat campaign in 2006?
UNICEF revitalized the Trick-or-Treat campaign to provide a more meaningful, educational and engaging experience for Canadian children. We also wanted to develop a flexible campaign that better reflects the reality of today’s school environment. Surveyed schools that have participated in the campaign cite the educational focus for kids as the number one reason they preferred the revamped version over the traditional door-to-door collection campaign.
If children are not collecting coins door-to-door on Halloween night, what will fundraising involve?
UNICEF encourages students from participating schools to collect contributions from family, friends or neighbours throughout the Halloween season. Students will be provided with fundraising kits with a collection envelope to keep track of contributions and many participating schools organize in-school activities to raise funds. All Canadians can now also contribute to the campaign online through a secure donation page at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca.
What if my child receives donations for UNICEF while out trick-or-treating on Halloween night?
UNICEF Canada is no longer distributing coin collection boxes, and coin collection on Halloween night is no longer a part of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. We have informed the public that children will no longer be collecting coins for UNICEF on Halloween night but will be fundraising throughout October to support their peers abroad.
If your child receives donations for UNICEF while out trick-or-treating, please submit these donations to the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign at his or her school, or submit them directly to UNICEF online, by mail or phone, or contact your nearest regional UNICEF office.
THE SCHOOLS FOR AFRICA PROGRAMME
Where will the money collected through this year’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign go?
The 2008 campaign will raise funds for the Schools for Africa programme for projects in Malawi and Rwanda. The funds will be directed towards school construction, safe water and sanitation facilities, teacher training, school supplies and ensuring that the most vulnerable children, such as those orphaned by AIDS, have an opportunity to access quality, basic education. It will also support UNICEF’s other vital programmes around the world.
What is the Schools for Africa programme?
Schools for Africa is a joint initiative of UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Hamburg Society for the Promotion of Democracy and International Law. It focuses on six countries (Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa and Zimbabwe) and supports the construction and rehabilitation of schools along with the provision of materials and teacher training. A child-friendly model for schools is used, adopting a participatory and gender-sensitive approach that works to ensure a protective environment with access to clean water and sanitation for all children including girls, orphaned and vulnerable children. The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign in Canada will raise funds to support Schools for Africa programme activities in Rwanda and Malawi.
What are the overall goals of the Schools for Africa programme?
The project aims to benefit four million children with child-friendly interventions and activities. This includes:
• constructing or rehabilitating 1,000 schools
• providing 1,000 schools with clean, safe water, toilets and sanitation facilities
• providing 1,000 schools with furniture, textbooks and other materials
• training 80,000 teachers in child rights, child-friendly teaching methodologies, participatory school management, and life-skills-based education
Can our school support Schools for Africa or other programmes by donating supplies?
UNICEF provides school supplies to children in Malawi and Rwanda to support learning through the Schools for Africa programme. The supplies, which cost about $10 per student, include exercise books, pencils, an eraser and other items. The most effective and cost-efficient way for us to distribute these items is to procure them locally or send them in bulk from our international warehouse. Although we’re very grateful for offers of supplies, we cannot accept them because it is too costly and logistically cumbersome to coordinate.
This applies to all of our programmes, including those responding to disasters or emergencies. While UNICEF appreciates the spirit of giving shown by Canadians, we are generally only able to accept monetary donations. Here are some of the most important reasons why a financial donation is the best donation:
• Financial donations are most efficient because they have low administrative costs.
• Financial donations do not require transportation costs, which can outweigh the value of materials donated.
• Financial donations support the local economy of low-income countries or regions, providing employment and income.
• Financial donations help to ensure culturally, dietary and environmentally appropriate giving.
• In times of emergencies, a financial donation allows disaster relief professionals to procure exactly what is needed in a disaster situation.
• Simply put, financial donations provide the most "bang for the buck."
UNICEF Canada does accept, on a case-by-case basis, substantive gift-in-kind donations of new materials from organizations and corporations. To pursue such a donation, please contact Stephanie Ashton-Smith, UNICEF Canada’s Manager, In-Kind and Community Partnerships at (416) 482-4444.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: GETTING INVOLVED IN TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF
What does the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF school programme involve?
Fundraising with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is as easy as 1-2-3:
1) Choose a goal for your class or school: We will provide you with suggested fundraising targets for students, classrooms and the entire school that you can use. For instance, you may want to raise enough to help provide a clean water source for a community school or to help build a latrine for a school without washrooms.
2) Inspire your entire school or community to get involved: Choose a fundraising event from our list of ideas, or create your own. Play the seven-minute DVD at a kick-off assembly or in the classroom. Distribute take-home pledge envelopes and student participation gifts. Download teacher resources at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca and share ideas with other teachers.
3) Gather class funds and celebrate: Add up your class contributions each day, collect the money and mark it on your classroom poster. Celebrate your success with a Halloween party – October 31 is National UNICEF Day. Complete the easy-to-use UNICEF Canada remittance form and send in your contributions.
How do I register my school to participate in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign?
UNICEF Canada has contacted the schools in our database by fax or phone with information on the 2008 campaign and how to register. If you would like to register, simply download an order form online at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca and fax it in or contact your regional UNICEF office to order your school materials. We encourage schools to register as early as possible to ensure they receive all the tools they need in time to organize a successful campaign.
What materials and resources are being provided to schools and teachers participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign?
School kits include a fundraising package with easy-to-use instructions as well as tools to help schools engage in fundraising, including a child-friendly DVD that introduces the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign and the Schools for Africa programme.
Posters to inspire students and decorate the classroom.
Student kits include a collection envelope with communication to parents, information on tax receipting, and a certificate of appreciation with a reflective sticker to wear on Halloween night. As an additional thank you, schools participating in the campaign for the first time will be offered washable, reusable Halloween treat collection bags.
Curriculum-linked lesson plans, games, activities and detailed information on the Schools for Africa programme are also available online at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca to help support classroom learning. UNICEF speakers may be available to help kick off the campaign and provide school audiences with informative and engaging presentations on the key issues affecting education in Africa.
Is there a charge for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF school materials?
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF educational and fundraising materials are available free of charge to participating schools.
How long will it take for my school/group’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF order to arrive?
Orders placed in the spring will be delivered by mid- to late September. Orders placed in the fall will take seven to 12 business days from the time the order is placed to the time you receive your Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF school materials.
Is the programme appropriate to all students from elementary to high school? How can high school students get involved?
While it is mainly elementary students that participate in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, there are opportunities for students at the high school level to get involved. If you are a high school student or teacher and would like to take part in this year’s campaign, please visit www.trickortreatforunicef.ca or call your regional UNICEF office to learn more about how you can participate. High school students and teachers may also wish to participate in the Spread the Net Student Challenge to help fight malaria by raising funds for long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets for children and families in Liberia and Rwanda. For more information on the Challenge, please visit www.spreadthenet.org or contact your regional UNICEF office.
How do we arrange for a UNICEF speaker to come to our school?
UNICEF Canada is contacting schools in areas where speakers are available in mid-September to book speaking presentations. If you would like to see whether a speaker is available in your area, please contact your regional UNICEF office.
I do not or my school/group does not observe Halloween. What other ways can we support UNICEF this fall?
The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign takes place throughout October and no longer involves door-to-door collections on Halloween. The campaign web site at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca includes a range of materials on the Schools for Africa programme, including curriculum-linked lesson plans, games and activities, as well as fundraising ideas that need not be tied to Halloween. You may wish to consider integrating educational and fundraising initiatives in support of UNICEF into your fall, or orange and black day, activities. For further information or assistance, please contact your regional UNICEF office.
How can my school send in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF donations?
Instructions have been provided in your campaign kit outlining how to remit the funds you have raised for UNICEF. Please contact your local UNICEF office with any additional questions.
Is there a deadline to send in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF donations?
In order to qualify for the prize of a visit from Ben Mulroney and Farley Flex to your school to judge its talent competition, or the Top 10 fundraising schools list, we must receive your school’s donations by November 20. We encourage you or your school/group to send funds in as soon as possible so that UNICEF can put donations to work right away. We will, however, accept donations whenever they are submitted.
Can I or my school/group earmark our Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF donations for a specific person, school or programme?
Funds raised through the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign support the Schools for Africa programme as well as UNICEF’s other programmes around the world.
Through Schools for Africa, UNICEF helps increase access to quality basic education by building new schools, repairing and refurbishing existing schools, providing schools with safe water and sanitation facilities, and training teachers. As a global leader in the education sector, UNICEF partners with Ministries of Education and local communities to determine where need is greatest. Although donations cannot be earmarked for a specific person, school or programme, supporters can be assured that their funds will be strategically allocated to address the most pressing needs.
Our school has old boxes from a past campaign. What should we do with the boxes?
Please contact your local UNICEF office to arrange for the disposal of old Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes.
How do I update my own or my school’s contact information?
Please send an email to Halloween@unicef.ca with the subject line “Contact information update”. Alternatively, you may call 1-800-567-4483 and speak to the Trick-or-Treat Coordinator to update your school’s contact information.
Our school would like to continue using the UNICEF collection box instead of participating in the new programme. Can we have a supply of boxes, or can we use the extra boxes from previous years and continue collecting money on Halloween night as our fundraising effort?
UNICEF Canada is no longer distributing collection boxes, and coin collection on Halloween night is no longer a part of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. We have informed the public that children will no longer be collecting coins for UNICEF on Halloween night but will be fundraising throughout October to support their peers abroad.
The revitalized programme offers a number of fun and flexible ways for your school to fundraise for UNICEF. Please contact your regional UNICEF office to discuss what fundraising opportunities are available. If you have old boxes from previous years, please contact your regional UNICEF office for information on what to do with them.
I am an educator teaching a unit on a specific issue facing children in developing countries. Where can I find educational materials?
Educational support materials designed by teachers for teachers are available on the Teachers Room of the Trick-or-Treat web site at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca. The materials are geared to students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Curriculum links have been provided for each activity to easily identify how it fulfills curriculum requirements across the country. Additional activities, games and stories are provided in the web site’s Kids Room. Further educational resources are available online at www.unicef.ca/globaleducation and by contacting the Education for Development Manager at your regional UNICEF office.
What will students who participate in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign receive?
All students who participate in the 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign will receive a certificate of appreciation with a reflective sticker that identifies them as a proud UNICEF volunteer to wear on Halloween night. As an additional thank you, students at schools participating in the campaign for the first time will be offered washable, reusable Halloween treat-collection bags.
Why is UNICEF giving out certificates of appreciation and stickers? Why are only students at schools participating for the first time receiving the reusable treat-collection bags?
The treat-collection bags are, by design, washable, reusable and can be used from year to year. From an environmental standpoint, we encourage children to do this. The certificates of appreciation that all participating students receive thank them for their effort and initiative in helping their peers around the world. The reflective stickers help children show that they are proud UNICEF volunteers, while also helping to ensure children are safe and seen on Halloween night.
How can I receive a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Halloween treat-collection bag?
In 2008, washable, reusable Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Halloween treat-collection bags are being offered free-of-charge to students at schools participating in the campaign for the first time as a thank you for their participation.
What is the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Halloween treat-collection bag made of? Is it washable and reusable?
The reusable Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF bag is made of a non-woven, water-resistant and breathable material that looks and feels like cotton.
BAG CARE: While most stains can be wiped off with a damp cloth, the bags may also be machine-washed and put in a cool dryer or hung to dry. Like any silk-screened images, those on the bag can be affected by certain detergents and washing cycles.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED (FOR THOSE NOT IN PARTICPATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS)
My child’s school is not participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. How can he/she get involved?
You may wish to encourage your child’s teacher or school principal to consider involving the school in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. We also encourage you to explore the educational games, stories and activities on www.trickortreatforunicef.ca with your child. Whether or not your child’s school participates in the campaign, you can help your child raise funds in October on behalf of UNICEF. Click on the “Start Fundraising” button on the Trick-or-Treat web site to register.
My pre-school child is not yet old enough to attend a school that is participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. How can he/she get involved?
We encourage you to explore the educational games, stories and activities on the Trick-or-Treat web site with your child. You can also help your child raise funds in October on behalf of UNICEF. Donations can be made directly online at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca by clicking on the “Donate Now” button. Instructions for donating by mail or by phone are also provided here.
I am a college/university student. How can I or my school/group participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF?
There are many ways for college and university students to help support UNICEF's work around the world through the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. A number of school campuses across Canada have established UNICEF clubs to organize fundraising initiatives. If there is no UNICEF club at your school, contact the nearest regional UNICEF office for more information on how you can support UNICEF this October. College and university students may also wish to participate in the Spread the Net Student Challenge to help fight malaria by raising funds for long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets for children and families in Liberia and Rwanda. For more information on the Challenge, please visit www.spreadthenet.org or contact your regional UNICEF office.
How can my office or community group get involved and support the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign?
There are a number of ways offices and community groups can help support UNICEF's work around the world through the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. For example, you may wish to hold a costume party or Halloween fundraiser to benefit the campaign. Contact your regional UNICEF office for information or tips on organizing an office or group fundraiser for UNICEF. Donations can be made directly online at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca by clicking on the “Donate Now” button. Instructions for donating by mail or by phone are also provided here.
How can I get involved as a volunteer with the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign?
The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign offers a number of opportunities and options for volunteers. For a complete list of roles and for more information on becoming a UNICEF volunteer, visit our web site at www.unicef.ca and click on “get involved”.
If you wish to sign up as a volunteer, please download and complete the volunteer application form on www.unicef.ca and send to your nearest UNICEF regional office. If you have further questions, please e-mail volunteer@unicef.ca.
DONATION DETAILS
Why has UNICEF Canada introduced the option to donate online to the Trick-or-Treat campaign?
Donating online allows people who make a donation to the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign to receive their charitable tax receipts immediately. It reduces the amount of work teachers and schools involved in the campaign must do collecting, counting and submitting funds raised by students. It is also a quick and cost-effective way for UNICEF Canada to receive and process donations, which aids our efforts to keep fundraising and administration costs to a minimum.
If I donate online, how can I be sure that my credit card and personal information is secure?
To ensure your payment information is secure, the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF donation page has a VeriSign Secure Server ID. VeriSign processes your credit card information securely in real time using the latest available encryption technology. This means your payment information cannot be read as it travels over the Internet to your credit-issuing institution. Look for “https://” in the address bar as well as for the unbroken key or locked lock icon on the bottom of the page to ensure you are submitting your payment information on a secure form. Click on that icon for details about the security certificate.
How is UNICEF funded and what are the organization’s administrative expenses?
UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, organizations and individuals. With the generous support of Canadians from coast to coast, the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign has been raising funds for more than 50 years.
UNICEF helps to save and transform children’s lives, and we strive to ensure that our donors’ gifts are used effectively and to maximize the positive impact for children. For details on UNICEF Canada’s use of funds, please see the annual report for our most recent audited fiscal year online at www.unicef.ca.
Do all donations receive a receipt for income tax purposes?
UNICEF Canada cannot issue tax receipts to schools that collect funds, but can provide tax receipts to individuals or corporations that have made a donation as part of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Receipts for income tax purposes will automatically be issued for donations of $25 or more, unless otherwise requested. For donations received through the Trick-or-Treat campaign, please ensure that your full name and address are clearly printed on the student’s collection envelope in order to receive a receipt. Tax receipts are issued immediately for donations made online. If you have made a donation to UNICEF for less than $25 and would like to receive a receipt for income tax purposes, please call 1-800-567-4483.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Why has UNICEF partnered with businesses such as Cadbury, DHL, Slaight Communications, Scholastic, Swiss Chalet and Pizza Nova for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign? What is their role in the campaign?
UNICEF Canada is pleased that Cadbury, DHL, Slaight Communications, Scholastic, Swiss Chalet and Pizza Nova are working with us to support and promote the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign and raise funds to provide quality basic education for children in Malawi and Rwanda. Their contributions are helping to build awareness of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and the Schools for Africa programme, to enable the campaign to reach out to millions of Canadians, and help reward children who participate.
• Cadbury has commited $6 million through on-package and in-store promotional support and funds. Through this partnership, Cadbury is helping UNICEF reach millions of Canadians, including parents and teachers, who are critical to the success of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.
• DHL is providing in-kind shipping services for all school fundraising
• Slaight Communications is broadcasting public service announcements promoting the campaign on radio stations throughout Canada.
• Scholastic and Swiss Chalet are providing prizes to help reward students who raise funds online.
• Pizza Nova is providing promotional support as well as prizes to help reward top fundraising schools in Ontario.
UNICEF Canada enters into partnerships with companies to raise awareness, mobilize support and raise funds for our programmes to help children. We do not endorse any particular brand, product or service.
UNICEF Canada’s decision on whether to partner with a corporation is based on substantive research and evaluation. Companies are examined according to a number of criteria, including workplace rights, commitment to local communities, product safety, and environmental responsibility. Companies’ business practices are also reviewed with respect to UNICEF’s core values. We determine if a company is an appropriate partner by measuring this information against the fundamental principles on which UNICEF is based, and against our specific mission, mandate and values.
