Here’s the text of the IM interview I did with Caryl Stern of UNICEF before I was so RUDELY interrupted by Danny.
UNICEF is truly amazing. Wherever kids need help, around the world, they’re there. Providing shelter and education and medicine and food and drinking water and all the necessities of life we take for granted. Recently, they’ve been getting aid shipments into Myanmar after the cyclone, and supplies into central China after the earthquake.
Parker
says (9:45 AM):
Hi, Caryl.
Caryl
says (9:45 AM):
Hi, Parker.
Parker
says (9:45 AM):
Embarrassing— but what does “UNICEF” mean?
Caryl
says (9:46 AM):
United Nations Children's Fund.
Parker
says (9:46 AM):
Where’s the “E?”
Caryl
says (9:46 AM):
When it started after WWII, UNICEF stood for “United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.”
But now we’re about more than emergencies. We provide ongoing support for children’s health, nutrition, and education around the world.
Shorter name; same famous acronym. ;)
Parker
says (9:47 AM):
What’s an example of the work you’re doing now?
Caryl
says (9:47 AM):
The short story is, we do whatever it takes to save children’s lives. Close to 10 million children die every year from preventable causes. That’s unacceptable.
Parker
says (9:48 AM):
Uh…yes. Totally.
Caryl
says (9:48 AM):
So we try to stand between kids and tragedy. We’ve saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.
Parker
says (9:48 AM):
What makes you so effective?
Caryl
says (9:49 AM):
We work with governments, NGOs, communities, and children themselves to identify the biggest threats and then find the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
Parker
says (9:49 AM):
You guys are huge, right?
Caryl
says (9:49 AM):
Over 7,000 staff in 155 developing countries.
Parker
says (9:49 AM):
Have you been able to get into Myanmar after the cyclone?
Caryl
says (9:50 AM):
We've actually had a presence there since 1950. When the cyclone hit, we already had more than 130 staff and pre-positioned supplies on the ground.
Parker
says (9:50 AM):
What has the support of the i’m Initiative meant to UNICEF?
Caryl
says (9:50 AM):
It’s been amazing! People who’ve chosen UNICEF have helped raise over $255,000 for us.
We are so grateful to each of them, and all the time they spend e-mailing and IMing for the cause!
Parker
says (9:51 AM):
Awesome. Thanks!
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