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Louis Vuitton launching global initiative to support UNICEF and children in need
Publication Date: 2017/01/11
TORONTO, January 11, 2017 – One year after the launch of its global partnership with UNICEF, Louis Vuitton is launching its first #makeapromise day on January 12, 2017 to raise funds for children in urgent need, through its global network of stores.
Nearly 250 million children live in countries affected by conflict and millions more face risk from natural disasters, climate change and fast spreading epidemics. Every day, somewhere around the world, millions of children wake up to lives filled with violence, persecution and hardship. UNICEF works to bring hope for a better life to these children.
On January 12, in 460 Louis Vuitton stores across more than 60 countries, 12,000 Louis Vuitton Client Advisors will act as special advocates of the “Louis Vuitton for UNICEF” partnership and promote the sales of the Silver Lockit: a product specially designed to raise funds for UNICEF.
Since January 2016, the Louis Vuitton for UNICEF partnership has helped raise $2.5 million to help bring children life-saving humanitarian support in Nigeria and Syria. In doing so, it has brought hope to children who have endured the horrors of war and deprivation. For example, in 2016, 4.5 million children and their families in Syria were protected through the life-saving provision of water.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes great partners like Louis Vuitton working together with UNICEF to ensure all children survive and thrive,” said David Morley, UNICEF Canada President and CEO. “The more partnerships and innovative alliances we’re able to form with corporations like Louis Vuitton, the more children we’ll be able to reach with life-saving assistance.”
$200 donated to children for every Lockit sold
For each sale of the Silver Lockit pendant (US $600) or bracelet (US $500), US $200 is donated to UNICEF.
On this occasion, Louis Vuitton renews its promise to help children and invites people around the world to join the movement. Guests will be encouraged to come accompanied with someone close to make a pinky promise and to share their promise online with a special hashtag: #makeapromise. As a way of inviting people to spread the word, a special offer will be available that day for those who purchase two Silver Lockits (offer available in all Louis Vuitton stores and on louisvuitton.com for January 12, 2017).
“Charity starts at home,” said Michael Burke, President of Louis Vuitton. “Last year, we challenged our teams to come up with a symbolic gesture that would federate people around our cause. The idea of the #makeapromise campaign comes from children: when they make a promise, they mean it and they seal it with a pinky promise. Children show us a simple way to change the world. One year after our successful launch, our teams have come up with this idea to keep our promise alive. It’s about joining forces worldwide to raise funds and awareness for children. We believe in the word of mouth. Our goal is to reach as many people and to make a real difference.”
UNICEF is the leading humanitarian and development organization working globally for the rights of every child. The aim of the partnership “Louis Vuitton for UNICEF” is to raise funds for UNICEF and help support children who are exposed to conflict, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.
Millions of children at risk of violence, conflict, disease
“Millions of children, the foundation of tomorrow’s stable, healthy societies are today experiencing violence, conflict and diseases. Now more than ever, the need to stand together for and with children is critical. By making a promise for children, particularly those affected by conflict situations, the customers and employees of Louis Vuitton are showing their commitment to bring hope to the most vulnerable children,” said Gérard Bocquenet, Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships at UNICEF.
UNICEF is there, before, during and after humanitarian situations. In Syria, since the beginning of 2016, UNICEF has reached four million children under five with polio vaccinations, 14 million people with drinking water and nearly 140,000 children with school supplies.
Louis Vuitton is also inviting its clients to make direct donations to UNICEF throughout the year and will do so especially during emergencies.
UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product.
To make a direct donation to the children of the world, please visit www.unicef.ca/donate. For more information on the partnership, visit www.louisvuitton.com/lvforunicef
About UNICEF
UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.