For this year, Soccer Aid 2016 and UNICEF are focusing charity proceeds to Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. Soccer Aid 2016, which aired live on ITV, not only brought in celebrity support to raise funds but also earned the commitment of the UK government to match the amount donated to this year's event.
UNICEF ambassadors Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes developed Soccer Aid in 2006. In the 10 years since its conception Soccer Aid has brought in the support of international celebrities both in the sporting world and in the showbiz industry.
In the years leading up to Soccer Aid 2016, the charity event has raised £17 million for children that UNICEF aids. Guided by the slogan "For Every Child In Danger," UNICEF has been trying to reach and aid children in perilous and vulnerable conditions throughout the world.
The proceeds of Soccer Aid 2016 will see a large portion focused on children and mothers in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. According to the UNICEF site, projects on health and nutrition in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar will be given funding infusion with the help of Soccer Aid 2016.
The added fund infusion from the UK government matching Soccer Aid proceeds allows UNICEF to develop not just quality but also long-term programs for women and children in countries such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. The choice of these three countries as beneficiaries of Soccer Aid 2016 activities is based on the urgency of needs among children and mothers as determined by UNICEF.
The mortality and malnutrition rates, not just in children but also among mothers, in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar are among the highest worldwide. AllAfrica points out that UNICEF and other international agencies have more than health and hunger issues to deal with in helping children.
Violence, exploitation and abuse are all very real threats and conditions that children around the globe face each day. These are also part of the scope of assistance and protection that UNICEF are trying to bring to children worldwide with the help Soccer Aid and similar fundraising events.
UNICEF continues to accept donations "For Every Child In Danger" under Soccer Aid conditions. Interested donors can take part in Soccer Aid 2016 fundraising through socceraid.unicef.org.uk for international donation or by sending GIVE10 to 70750 for UK residents.
