Last month, Ladue’s UNICEF, or United Nations Children’s Fund, hosted their first fundraiser of the year: Trick or Treat. According to UNICEF’s website, the funds raised go towards delivering 1.4 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses and other resources all around the world. A donation of $37 contributes two doses of the vaccine to 10 people and a donation of $100.75 provides 325 face masks.

“We raised over $1000 for the organization,” executive board member Tarek al-Husseini said, “It was really rewarding.”

The main UNICEF organization cancelled this year’s in-person Trick or Treat fundraiser due to the pandemic but the Ladue chapter still wanted to host one. Due to this, they had to overcome many challenges. Donation boxes originally provided by UNICEF had to be ordered. Each member assembled their own boxes at meetings. Members collected donations from friends and family and collected them in two rounds. The final collected funds were turned in on Nov. 3. The dedication of UNICEF members paid off with their donations contributing to a larger cause.

“At our last meeting, we collected the money and are planning to send it to the main UNICEF,” executive board member Zahra Khan said, “We are appreciative of our members’ hard work and glad to help children in need.” 

The UNICEF club is currently planning a number of upcoming fundraisers, including a possible 3-against-3 soccer tournament, trivia night and pie contest. Their biggest event of the year is coming up, the Snow Ball.

 “The [Snow Ball] has been a big success in past years,” Khan said. “We hope to replicate this success as we plan the 2021-22 UNICEF Snow Ball.”

More can be read about UNICEF’s Ladue Chapter here.