No tricks, it's a treat

MANILA, Philippines - More Filipino children, especially in urban areas, are taking on the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating. Big and small, the kids don Halloween costumes and make the rounds of neighborhoods, malls and other areas to fill their bags or bins with candies and other treats.

Now UNICEF gives new meaning to trick-or-treat by incorporating social responsibility and teaching kids to help other kids.

In celebration of the 20th year of National Children’s Month, the organization has launched “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Superheroes” in the Philippines, a campaign where children collect money in special Trick-or-Treat boxes and turn these over to UNICEF after Halloween. The money will be used for the organization’s various programs for children.

The launch was held at The Mega Atrium of SM Megamall, which had kids enjoying an afternoon of games, face painting, superhero cosplay and photo booths. Children and parents signed up at a registration booth where they were given free kits, including IDs, badges and t-shirts so that they could be identified as bona fide collectors for UNICEF.

Tomoo Hozumi, UNICEF country representative, announced the beginning of the major campaign for children in the country.

“Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is an activity in which children who would like to help other children in need of assistance do so by running their own little fundraising campaign during the festive season of Halloween, ” he said. “We help them do so by providing necessary materials. Trick-or-Treat fundraising campaign originally started in the United States in 1950 and has expanded so quickly that it has become a symbol of concern and an expression of tangible aid for children.”

Hozumi added that UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund its work for children in the Philippines and worldwide; and by joining the activity, people can help disadvantaged children enjoy essential health and nutrition, safe drinking water and hygiene, and basic education.

These children include those in remote and hard-to-reach communities, in poor households, those living on streets or in urban slum areas and those affected by conflict and natural disasters.

“Through this campaign, we are hoping that Halloween becomes even more special for all of us,” he added.

Kids check ou their UNICEF Trick-or-Treat kits (opposite page). Superman Gerard Sison (left); UNICEF special advocate for children Daphne Oseña-Paez with daughters Sophia, Lily and Stella and a masked friend (above). Kids enjoyed games and other treats at the launch (top). Trick-or-Treat boxes (right) hold they key to a bright future for millions of kids worldwide.

Janeena Chan and Gerard Sison, clad in Captain Americana and Superman costumes, respectively, hosted the grand event that was sponsored by The Philippine STAR, SM Megamall, SM Cares, UP Cradle Volunteers, P&G, Krispy Kreme, Magnavision, Multiply.com, Mango Comics and PSICOM Publishing.

“The Philippine STAR and UNICEF share the same advocacy – to help the most disadvantaged Filipino children improve their lives through education and health care. STAR partners with UNICEF to bring the Trick-or-Treat campaign to the Philippines for the first time so we can help raise funds to support the needs of the children,” said Jay Sarmiento, STAR corporate communications manager.

The tradition of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began in 1950 in the United States, when Philadelphia schoolchildren first went door-to-door at Halloween collecting money in decorated milk cartons to help children in need around the world.

They raised a grand total of $17, kicking off a campaign that has since brought in millions of dollars to help UNICEF provide medicine, better nutrition, safe water, education, emergency relief and other support to children in more than 150 countries.

Millions of children now participate in Halloween-related fundraising campaigns in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and China, among other places. In these campaigns, children go far beyond trick-or-treating in scary costumes with the familiar orange UNICEF collection boxes in hand. Children and young people take part in various fun and educational events that help them gain a better understanding of child rights and the challenges facing children around the world – including poverty, killer diseases and armed conflict.

The global campaign, now in the Philippines, has raised more than $167 million around the world and remains an inspiration to the young – and the young at heart – to further the cause of children everywhere.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS.

In the Philippines for over 60 years, UNICEF works through partners to help disadvantaged children and communities ensure that children are healthy, educated and protected from harm. The organization is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers.

How to join

Children and parents can join Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF by getting their free TOT4UNICEF kits at the UNICEF booth at the lower ground floor of SM Megamall Bldg. A, near Toy Kingdom until Oct. 27. Schools can register to participate as well. To find out how to register, visit www.unicef.ph or call 758-1000. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Kit supplies are limited so hurry and register early!

All kids who turn in their donations will receive a certificate of recognition and a special gift from UNICEF via postage mail by November.

For more information, contact Pam Pagunsan at [email protected] or call 901-0179.