UNICEF teams with McDonald's to raise funds for children

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today announced plans to team up with McDonald's to raise money for youngsters all over the world.

The fundraising initiative is part of the fast food chain's World Children's Day, which will be observed for the first time on 20 November, the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

On that day, McDonald's restaurants in 121 countries will raise money through a variety of activities for local children's organizations. In select countries, the company will also support the "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" programme by distributing the well-known orange collections boxes through its restaurants.

"We are very pleased that McDonald's is expanding its support for children around the world," UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said. "The opportunity to distribute the orange trick-or-treat boxes through McDonald's restaurants in the United States will help us reach a whole new generation of children whose parents supported UNICEF when they were kids."

Ms. Bellamy also noted that last year RMHC awarded a $5 million grant to UNICEF to combat maternal and neonatal tetanus in 57 priority countries. "We appreciate the continued support of McDonald's and RMHC," she said.