The teenage actress, recording artist and author Zendaya (known to her friends and family as Zendaya Coleman) has signed up to be the official spokesperson for this years Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF; an iconic, annual campaign, which asks kids in the U.S. to make a difference in the lives of other kids by raising funds for UNICEF's lifesaving programs. The singer, who rose to fame as “Rocky Blue” in Disney's “Shake it Up,” will be appearing as a "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF superhero" in print, online, and broadcast PSAs to encourage participation in the American tradition, which is now in it's 64th year.
This year for the first time children and their parents can set up their own fundraising website pages on the Crowdrise platform
The tradition involves kids going door-to-door with orange boxes collecting coins for the charity, which works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives. Donations collected through the project provide medicine, nutrition, clean water, emergency relief and education to children around the world. This year, however, for the first time children and their parents can set up their own fundraising website pages on the Crowdrise platform, so friends, family members and people all over the world can donate with ease. Also, anyone participating in the project will be able to turn their Halloween party in a fundraiser for the cause by setting up a donation page and including a link to it in their party invitation.
Laura Marano, last year's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson
Zendaya, the 18-year old star and current star of the Disney Channel series “KC Undercover,” said she loved trick-or-treating for UNICEF when she was younger “Because it was such an empowering experience to be able to make a difference.” She understands the point of the initiative is that the kids who will be benefitting from the funds being raised “Need more than candy; they need basics like medicine, nutrition and clean drinking water,” and she knows that “Millions of them wouldn't have these things without UNICEF." She's “Really excited to celebrate Halloween this year by inspiring a new generation of kids to be Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF superheroes that help save other kids' lives."
This year, teachers can participate in the second annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF School Challenge; a competition which provides 15 winning teachers with $1000 technology grants
Educators will also be asked to help the cause this year and teach their students about the value of helping those in need. This year, teachers can participate in the second annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF School Challenge; a competition which provides 15 winning teachers with $1000 technology grants. Additionally, teachers will be able to access the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Teachers' Guide, which can be used as a valuable resource to help provide students and teachers alike with the skills and knowledge needed to make a genuine impact throughout the campaign. It will include readings, photos, videos, music, maps, and games, to introduce students to UNICEF's work, child rights, and a variety of issues affecting the health and well-being of children around the world.
Official Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Website
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK who wishes trick-or-treat was more of a big deal over here.
