Pier 1 Imports received hundreds of creative designs from children across Canada, all uniquely depicting the theme of Peace, Love and Joy. Raavin's winning design illustrates a winter scene with a friendly, smiling snowman.
"The idea for my design was based on using calm colours so it looked peaceful. That way, when someone looked at it, they would feel peace," said Raavin. "Helping children is important to me…If I had one wish for children around the world, it would be that they have food, water and medicine. I also want them to have someone to love and support them. All children in the world should have the opportunity to make their dreams come true no matter where they live."
When Raavin grows up, she wants to be a pediatrician so she can help children all over the world.
Canadians also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite design. Thirteen-year-old Shiuli from Ontario is this year's Fan's Choice Award recipient and winner of $500 for art supplies. Shiuli's design depicts a tree made up of the words 'Peace, Love and Joy' and is surrounded by children of diverse backgrounds.
"I love to draw, and if creating a greeting card design could possibly help someone in need – that's great! I'd love to make a difference by doing something I love!" said Shiuli. "When customers see my design I hope they think about the unity and diversity in this world. We're all the same, no matter how different we may seem."
All winners will also receive an Owlkids prize pack.
"Congratulations to this year's winners, and to all the children from across the country who took the time to enter this year's contest. Your passion for art and your commitment to helping other children is admirable, and it's something all adults could learn from," said UNICEF Canada Vice President of Development Bonnie Shepherd. "It's not hard to have hope for the future when you see the next generation of leaders already becoming compassionate activists and humanitarians. We look forward to continue working with Pier 1 Imports, Owlkids and children across Canada to help more vulnerable children survive and thrive."
The annual contest was launched in Canada in 2006 to help raise awareness about UNICEF's global work. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from the sale of all UNICEF cards sold at Pier 1 Imports stores across Canada go to support UNICEF's life-saving work for children and families around the world.
To date, the partnership with Pier 1 Imports has raised more than $5.2 million to support children through UNICEF Canada.
To view this year's winning designs, visit www.pier1.ca/unicef.
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.
About Pier 1 Imports®
Pier 1 Imports, Inc. is the original global importer of home décor and furniture. Information about the Company is available on www.pier1.com.
About Owlkids®
Owlkids is the English youth division of Bayard Canada. Owlkids publishes entertaining, unique, high-quality magazines and books that nurture the potential of children and instill in them a love of reading and learning — about themselves and the world around them.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2017/25/c3180.html
For interviews or more information, please contact: Stefanie Carmichael, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8866, 437-345-6324 (mobile), [email protected]
Related Links
http://www.unicef.ca
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