For many of us, Halloween takes on a significantly deeper meaning than spooks, costumes and candy. That’s all thanks to the annual “Trick or Treat for UNICEF” event. What started out as a local event in a Philadelphia suburb in 1950 has developed into a major fund raising program, raising over $188 million for UNICEF beneficiaries since its inception. Audrey Hepburn, one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars was so drawn to the organization’s efforts that she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador in 1989 and dedicated the last years of her life to helping children in need around the world. “I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II. I have a long-lasting gratitude and trust for what UNICEF does.”
Hepburn’s friendship with British actor Roger Moore inspired the actor known for his role as James Bond to also become a Goodwill Ambassador himself in 1991. While Hepburn is no longer here to grace us with her humanitarian work, Roger Moore continues to be a steadfast advocate for UNICEF-supported programs around the world, bringing attention to child crisis issues and enlisting support and donations. The dynamic careers of these Hollywood icons is documented in the Hollywood Collection Janson Media DVD’s Audrey Hepburn: Remembered and Roger Moore: A Matter of Class. For more information on their contributions please visit the Roger Moore and Audrey Hepburn UNICEF profile pages.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (or UNICEF) was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations System and its name was shortened from the original United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund but it has continued to be known by the popular acronym based on this old name. Headquartered in New York City, UNICEF provides long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.