The Issues

Help UNICEF to be prepared when aid is urgently needed.

Tents serve as temporary shelters for families who lost homes in the earthquake in Kashmir. This photo was taken by Saad, 14.
UNICEF/HQ06-1242/Saad Jahangir

Take a look at our current emergency appeals.

When an emergency strikes, such as conflict or a natural disaster, UNICEF must be prepared to react rapidly and, thanks to its 191 offices around the world, it usually takes less than 48 hours to deliver aid.

Even a small amount of money raised will provide desperately needed supplies to help children at risk:

£2.20 could buy 200 water purification tablets – enough to treat 40,000 litres of water – providing safe water for children.

£4.80 could could provide a large tent – shelter for families who have lost their homes in the disaster.

An emergency could be an earthquake, floods, drought or the outbreak of a war. As soon as UNICEF is alerted of a crisis, specialists assess what is needed in the area, in particular to help any vulnerable women and children. The nearest UNICEF office to the crisis can normally send aid by road and air.

After the initial emergency, UNICEF continues to work in the area to promote long-term rehabilitation and improved conditions for children. UNICEF then opens a specific appeal for funds to go to that area. But this takes time, so there is also a Children's Emergency Fund, which allows UNICEF to send emergency supplies and equipment as soon as it happens.

Raise money for UNICEF UK's Children's Emergency Fund

It all adds up to valuable relief to those people in need, and you can do anything from holding a cake sale, selling old nick-knacks, a sponsored silence or taking part in a sporting event.

Check out the Fundraise section for loads of ideas and download a fundraising pack to help you get started.

Once you've raised the cash, fill in a donation form, and make sure you tick the box for the money to go to the Children's Emergency Fund. The money you raise will make a difference when time is crucial to help save lives.

Find out more about disaster situations by playing the Stop Disasters game.