The LEGO Foundation donates US$3.7 million to UNICEF's lifesaving work for children in Ukraine
5 March 2022
GENEVA/COPENHAGEN, 5 March 2022 – The LEGO Foundation has announced a $3.7 million donation to support UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts for children and families affected by conflict in Ukraine.
The situation for the 7.5 million children caught up in the crisis in Ukraine is deteriorating by the minute. Hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Damage to civilian infrastructure has left hundreds of thousands of families and children without safe water or electricity.
The LEGO Foundation funds will help UNICEF provide children and families in Ukraine with humanitarian support including access to clean water, healthcare and education supplies, child protection services and psychosocial care.
With an increasing number of children on the move, and many families becoming separated, UNICEF is activating “Blue Dot” one-stop safe spaces in Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Belarus. These spaces, which are set up along routes of major population flows, provide key information to traveling families, safe spaces for mothers and children, and help identify unaccompanied and separated children and ensure their protection.
UNICEF is appealing for US$ 349 million to prevent a further deterioration of the welfare of children in Ukraine and neighbouring countries and to enable the effective provision of critical life-saving support. This includes US$ 276 million for immediate needs within Ukraine and US$ 73 million in neighbouring countries.
“Children in Ukraine are terrified, in shock, and desperate for safety,” said UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell. “The LEGO Foundation’s swift support will help UNICEF reach children and families in urgent need. We could not ask for a more dedicated partner as we work together for every child, everywhere.”
The LEGO Foundation donation forms part of a DKK 110 million (USD16.5 million) pledge announced by the foundation to support those affected by the escalating conflict, including education and protection of children.
UNICEF and the LEGO Foundation have been partners since 2015, focusing on child wellbeing and empowering children to become creative, lifelong learners through play. In September 2021, the LEGO Foundation donated USD $70 million to support UNICEF’s role in the COVAX facility to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
For corporate donations, please email:
corporate-partnerships@unicef.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sohini Roychowdhury
Communication Specialist
UNICEF
Tel: +41 79433 5264
sroychowdhury@unicef.org
About the LEGO Foundation
The LEGO Foundation aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow; a mission that it shares with the LEGO Group. The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to building a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. Its work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. In collaboration with thought leaders, influencers, educators and parents the LEGO Foundation aims to equip, inspire and activate champions for learning through play. Learn more on www.LEGOfoundation.com.
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
