Halifax's Chefs for UNICEF Water for Life Gala announced for April 13

Event will feature award-winning cuisine by 20 of Nova Scotia's top chefs & keynote speaker UNICEF Ambassador Karina LeBlanc

HALIFAX, Feb. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - To support UNICEF's work to improve children's access to clean and safe drinking water around the world, Halifax will host the 24^th annual Chefs for UNICEF Water for Life Gala on Wednesday, April 13 at the World Trade and Convention Centre. Tickets are now on sale.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable dining experience as 20 of Nova Scotia's best chefs prepare a collection of culinary delights from around the world. Chefs from Panorama Restaurant at Cabot Links in Cape Breton, Gabrieau's Bistro in Antigonish, Halifax's Five Fishermen Restaurant, Harbour City Bar & Grill, Tempo Food + Drink, The Stubborn Goat Gastropub, Scanway Catering, The Italian Market, Elements on Hollis and the World Trade & Convention Centre will be participating.

The guest speaker for the evening is UNICEF Canada Ambassador and Olympic Athlete, Karina LeBlanc. Born to parents who sacrificed a lot to move from the small Caribbean Island of Dominica to Canada, LeBlanc felt lost and disconnected in her new home. It took sports – soccer – to help her find her way. Years of rigorous training, determination and countless hours on the pitch helped her gain confidence and a sense of belonging. She believed in her dreams and they helped her overcome endless obstacles.

As the longest serving player in Canadian soccer history, LeBlanc has proudly represented Canada in three Pan American Games, four FIFA Women's World Cups and two Olympic Games, including the 2012 London Olympic Games where she helped lead Team Canada to its historic Bronze Medal win.

For the fourth year, UNICEF is pleased to have Colin MacDonald, Chairman of Clearwater, as the event's Honorary Chair. He is a distinguished corporate and community leader who is making a difference in the lives of children.

"The evening will celebrate the Halifax community's generous support of children through UNICEF over the last 24 years and provide a glimpse into the challenges that still remain for millions of children," said MacDonald. "It's also a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the fare of our local culinary experts while supporting UNICEF's life-saving work with children."

The goal of this year's Chefs for UNICEF Water for Life Gala is to raise $233,000. Water is an essential right and a vital need. Although significant strides have been made, globally more than 663 million people still lack access to safe drinking water. Through the generous support of donors, UNICEF works in more than 100 countries improving water supplies and sanitation facilities while promoting safe hygiene.

Individual tickets to the event are $250 and tables of ten are available for purchase. To order tickets, please call 1-800-819-0889 ext. 8204. For more information, visit: halifax-chefs-for-unicef-water-for-life-gala-2016

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.

About UNICEF

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.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada

Media Contact: Wendy Phillips, Phillips Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]