Louis Vuitton
A UNICEF corporate partner since 2016
In 2016, Louis Vuitton partnered with UNICEF to support the most vulnerable children around the world. The aim of this global partnership is to raise funds for UNICEF and help support children that are exposed to conflicts, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.
Helping vulnerable children in emergencies
In the six years since the launch of this partnership, Louis Vuitton has raised nearly US$18 million through its global network of stores and customers to support UNICEF programmes and help the world’s most vulnerable children.
From devastating natural disasters to violent conflict and epidemics, nearly 250 million children worldwide are faced with crises that have dire humanitarian consequences. By supporting UNICEF, Louis Vuitton promises to give these children hope for a better life.
Among the initiatives taken under this partnership, Louis Vuitton launched the Silver Lockit jewelry collection, specially designed to raise funds for UNICEF. For each Silver Lockit pendant or bracelet purchased, up to US$200 is donated to UNICEF, with a new version of the bracelet launched every year since 2017. Inspired by the tumbler lock invented by Georges Vuitton in 1890 to protect customers’ most precious belongings, the Silver Lockit is a symbol of protection. It was chosen as a symbol of sealing Louis Vuitton’s promise to help children in urgent need.
#MAKEAPROMISE
In the framework of this partnership, Louis Vuitton invites people to join in their promise to help children by linking pinkies with a loved one. This gesture is inspired by children themselves. When they make a promise, they take it very seriously, and they seal it with a 'pinky promise'. These are promises that come straight from the heart. People are invited to make a donation and then share online their promise to help children while tagging friends and encouraging them to #MAKEAPROMISE as well. The aim is to reach out to as many people as possible, raise awareness on the most vulnerable children’s needs and UNICEF humanitarian action, and thrive to make a real difference together.
Vital support
Every day, UNICEF works in more than 190 countries to defend children’s rights and meet their basic needs. The funds raised by Louis Vuitton for UNICEF have helped provide emergency support to children in countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Nepal, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.
“Conflict, COVID-19 and the climate crisis made 2021 an incredibly difficult year to be a child,” said Carla Haddad Mardini, UNICEF Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships. “With emergency needs now reaching new highs, Louis Vuitton’s long-standing commitment to flexible humanitarian funding is more important than ever. Your support means that we can respond swiftly to children caught up in crises, saving lives, preserving dignity and protecting futures.”
The Syrian crisis is one of the biggest humanitarian emergencies of our time. As part of the humanitarian response, Louis Vuitton supports UNICEF’s programmes to help Syrian refugee children. In 2021, UNICEF reached 11.3 million people, including 7.3 million children (3.6 million girls) with humanitarian assistance.
In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the Rohingya crisis continues to endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their families. In 2021, as part of UNICEF’s emergency response, 259,000 Rohingya refugees, around half of whom are women, were reached with critical WASH services, which included the installation of 27,458 hand washing devices, weekly disinfection of 58,873 WASH facilities and the distribution of 27,801 hygiene kits.
Louis Vuitton employees get involved on the ground
Since the partnership was launched, a group of voluntary Louis Vuitton employees have taken part in UNICEF’s emergency programmes every year, traveling as 'LV for UNICEF Reporters' to see UNICEF in action. These employee volunteers witness first-hand how children’s aid programmes are run and how UNICEF helps the world’s most vulnerable children. When they come home, they share their experiences with colleagues, friends and family to raise awareness of the important work being done with support from Louis Vuitton.
For more information on this partnership, visit Louis Vuitton for UNICEF - About LVforUNICEF
Last updated 11 May 2022
