At a glance: Canada

Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve makes NASCAR debut for UNICEF

A computer-generated image of NASCAR star Jacques Villeneuve’s car as it will appear in the race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, USA.

TORONTO, Canada, 4 October 2007 – NASCAR driver Jacques Villeneuve is going the extra mile for UNICEF this weekend.

Mr. Villeneuve makes his Nextel Cup debut at the famous Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, USA on Sunday, 7 October. His Toyota Camry, car number 27, will be wrapped in UNICEF blue.

“We are extremely grateful to have a Canadian icon like Jacques Villeneuve demonstrate such phenomenal support for UNICEF in this way,” said the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, Nigel Fisher. “Millions of eyes will be on that car this weekend, and that means millions of eyes will be on UNICEF and our work for children.”

© Advantage management

Jacques Villeneuve of Canada will support child health by driving a car wrapped in UNICEF blue at Talladega Superspeedway.

Focus on child health

Mr. Villeneuve, 36, is the first Formula One world champion to move to NASCAR, and the excitement surrounding his Nextel Cup debut is high. He hopes this interest will translate into real benefits for children around the world in the form of contributions from the public.

“This Cup race is in addition to the test and race schedule that we’d committed to, so we had the chance to do something different with the car,” Mr. Villeneuve said. “I have a desire to see children all over the world safe, healthy and happy, and that’s UNICEF’s sole focus.”

The money raised through Mr. Villeneuve’s promotional efforts will go to UNICEF-supported child health programmes.

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