UNICEF "Water for Life" Gala celebrates 25 years of raising life-saving funds to provide clean water for children

CALGARY, Oct. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - On October 14, Calgary will celebrate a 25-year tradition of supporting UNICEF's life-saving work for children and families around the world through its annual UNICEF "Water for Life" Gala. This year's event will feature:

Chadian children drink water from a water point in a Yakoua school yard in Bol, Lake Region, Chad, April 2017. © UNICEF/UN060495/Sokhin (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)

• An exquisite four-course dinner created especially for the event by Hyatt Regency Calgary's Executive Chef David Flegel.
• An inspiring keynote speech by UNICEF Advocate for Children Affected by War, Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone who is now a celebrated author and child rights advocate. 
• More than 160 exceptional auction items including exciting and unique experiences, vacations and works of art donated by generous individuals and businesses in support of UNICEF.

"Clean water is something many of us in Canada might take for granted. However, 2.1 billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water at home - that's three out of every 10 people on the planet," said David Morley, UNICEF Canada President and CEO. "Children are the most vulnerable among them. Clean water is critical to their health – and to the health of their communities."

Each year, 361,000 children under five years of age die due to diarrhea. Poor sanitation and contaminated water are also linked to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid.

UNICEF provides water, sanitation and hygiene support to 100 million people over last three years

In the last three years, more than 100 million people gained access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services thanks to UNICEF. More than half of these were in emergency contexts, including places like Iraq, Nigeria and Syria. Last year, UNICEF's support to provide clean water in humanitarian crises was its largest ever, reaching almost 30 million people.

"Access to clean water is a fundamental right. More than that, it's a basic building block that children need to grow up strong and healthy," said Morley. "Calgary consistently delivers for kids around the world through the 'Water for Life Gala'. The true spirit of Calgarians is clear in their dedication and support as we work to reach vulnerable children around the world, and provide safe water for every child."

Nearly 70,000 people benefitted from 2016 UNICEF Gala

Now in its 25^th year, the UNICEF "Water for Life" Gala and Calgarians have together raised more than $12 million to support vulnerable children around the world. Last year's Gala raised $919,000, which supported the construction of boreholes, water pumps and latrine blocks in schools and health centres in remote villages across Chad, and helped create community-based Water Safety Plans to ensure the ongoing supply of safe drinking water in rural parts of Mongolia.

This year's goal is to raise $1,000,000 to continue UNICEF's life-saving support.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca. For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.

Availability for media interviews:
Friday, October 13^th - media opportunity in studio with David Morley, President & CEO UNICEF Canada

Saturday, October 14^th – media opportunity in studio or at Gala (Hyatt Regency Calgary) with David Morley, President & CEO UNICEF Canada

SOURCE UNICEF Canada

To arrange interviews or for more information please contact: Holly Davidson, National Events Manager, [phone], [email protected]; John Conley, UNICEF Water for Life Committee, [phone], [email protected]