Canadians can now reach vulnerable children by purchasing greeting cards for every occasion any day

New partnership with UNICEF and Hallmark announced

TORONTO, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Not just at the Holidays anymore, for the first time ever, Canadians can help support the world's most vulnerable children by simply purchasing a UNICEF every day greeting card for every occasion, any day, in Hallmark stores across the country.

"Every day 21,000 children under the age of 5 die, and most of these deaths are easily preventable," says UNICEF Canada's President and CEO David Morley. "Purchasing a greeting card is a simple way to give, but it will help the hardest to reach children survive."

A portion of every UNICEF greeting card will support the organization's work ensuring child survival wherever children's lives are at risk.

The back of each card describes its impact. An anniversary card can help UNICEF provide Vitamin A doses to boost children's immune systems and preserve their sight.  While a birthday card can help provide measles vaccines or oral rehydration salts to treat diarrhea, one of the leading killers of children under 5 years old.

With more than 116 unique designs Hallmark's new UNICEF collection has something for everyone celebrating life's special moments while giving a child a better chance to survive and thrive. The collection features beautifully crafted cards to celebrate all occasions including birthdays, weddings, the birth of a new baby or to send a special message like good luck, get well or bon voyage.

"At Hallmark we believe all children have the right to health, education and protection. Through the launch of the new UNICEF every day card program together we can ensure a better future for hard to reach children around the world," says Chris Kelly, Vice President Consumer Solutions & Brand Experience, Hallmark Canada. "We are pleased that Hallmark's partnership with UNICEF, the world's leading children's rights and humanitarian organization, is expanding and we hope Canadians will help us support this incredible organization's work."

UNICEF and Hallmark Canada embarked on a partnership this past holiday season to support the long standing tradition of the UNICEF Holiday cards and gifts program. By partnering with Hallmark, UNICEF has tripled its retail reach in Canadian communities while increasing the amount of funds raised for children around the world. UNICEF every day cards are now available in Hallmark stores across Canada as well as in other fine retailers where the Hallmark brand is sold.

About Hallmark Canada: 

Hallmark Cards, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of greeting cards and other personal expression products. Hallmark was founded by Joyce C. Hall in 1910 and currently employs more than 740 artists, designers, stylists, photographers, writers and editors, who develop nearly 20,000 products each year. Hallmark Canada is the industry leader whose products are sold through its 225 Gold Crown stores as well as select grocery stores, drug stores, mass-merchandisers and discount stores. Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and spend time together - a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy

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.

Melanie Sharpe
UNICEF Canada
Office 416-482-6552 ext. 8892 cell: 416-806-2764
[email protected]