UNICEF Canada & Canada Soccer team up in partnership to save children and mothers

Multi-year agreement looks to leave a legacy on and off the field  

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, UNICEF Canada and Canada Soccer announced a multi-year partnership to support development initiatives that save the lives of children and mothers around the world. The grassroots engagement will bridge Canadian soccer pitches in towns from coast to coast with global efforts to save the lives of the 17,000 children who die every day from preventable causes.

"This new partnership will build on the passion and global connectivity of soccer to bring together Canadians to rally for the best opportunities for all children. Whether it's in refugee camps in war-torn countries or in our own backyards after school, a common sight around the world is children kicking around a soccer ball. It's the universal symbol of play for children everywhere—bringing joy, camaraderie and laughter to children's lives in the best and worst circumstances," says David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada. "This partnership exemplifies the unifying power of soccer."

"It is with great excitement and pride that we will work with UNICEF Canada to have the beautiful game serve as a powerful vehicle in the promotion of growth opportunities for children around the world," says Victor Montagliani, Canada Soccer President. "We are confident the next few years will truly showcase the passion this country has for soccer as the nation rallies behind our Canadian Women's National Team – an exemplary group of strong and dedicated women – as they prepare to perform once again on the world stage."

A natural extension to the work done by goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc (UNICEF Canada Ambassador, Olympic Bronze Medalist and the longest-serving player on Canada Women's National Team), UNICEF Canada and Canada Soccer are looking to build off of the momentum of the Women's National Team's success as ambassadors and female leaders on and off the field as they strive to be 'better than best.' As the relationship continues to grow, UNICEF Canada and Canada Soccer will engage with the whole Canadian soccer community to save children's lives.

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.

About Canada Soccer
Canada Soccer, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. Canada Soccer not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at www.canadasoccer.com. 

SOURCE: UNICEF Canada

Tiffany Baggetta, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8892, 647-308-4806 (mobile), [email protected]; Michele Dion, Canada Soccer, 613-857-0827 (mobile), [email protected]