Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff launch UNICEF fundraiser for Dahlia’s first birthday

Manila/Philippines, 2 February 2021 – To celebrate their daughter Dahlia’s first birthday on March 2, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Anne Curtis and her husband Erwan Heussaff, launched a fundraiser to help more vulnerable babies get the right start in life.

As first-time parents, Anne and Erwan want to mark this milestone in Dahlia’s life in a more meaningful way. “We are so grateful for all the love and support our family has received. Having Dahlia gives us so much joy and we want to share her first birthday so that more children can thrive and be healthy and safe, especially in these difficult times,” Anne said.

“And so, as Dahlia turns 1, we're raising funds for UNICEF so we can help more vulnerable babies and disadvantaged children get the right support in immunization, health, nutrition, and more. Instead of giving gifts to Dahlia, you can donate to our fundraiser for UNICEF,” she added.

Family, friends, and supporters can visit the crowd fundraising site where they can donate any amount to support UNICEF’s programs for vulnerable children and families in the Philippines.

The COVID-19 pandemic—combined with multiple emergencies such as typhoons, interruption in essential services, and increasing poverty and inequality—leaves children more vulnerable than ever before. According to the UNICEF report Averting a Lost COVID Generation, data from over 140 countries show a decrease of at least 10 per cent in coverage for routine vaccinations, outpatient care for childhood infectious diseases, and maternal health services in around one-third of these countries. Nearly 14 million children missed out on life-saving vaccines such as measles and DTP3, with two-thirds of them concentrated in 10 middle- and low-income countries including the Philippines. There is an estimated 14 per cent increase in the prevalence of wasting or having low weight for a child’s height, translating to an additional 6.7 million children worldwide who could suffer from wasting due to COVID-19.

“Now, more than ever, we have to ensure that we continuously roll out critical health and nutrition services for children and mothers. This generous undertaking of Anne and Erwan is truly laudable as it will definitely contribute to our collective effort to leave no child behind. This meaningful way to celebrate Dahlia’s first birthday will allow other children like her to embrace a bright future as they grow to be healthy and strong,” UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnerov said.

“Children and young people living in this pandemic face multiple threats now, and in the years to come. Through the help of voluntary donations, UNICEF is able to continue working with partners around the world to ensure that children’s rights are secured and protected from all the threats that are heightened during this time,” she added.

This is not the first time that the Goodwill Ambassador has raised funds for UNICEF through crowdfunding. Through her events and online fundraising projects, Anne has raised millions to support various UNICEF programs for children.

“As a first-time mom, I know how mothers and fathers need all they help they can get, not just to bring a new life in this world, but to have a healthy pregnancy, give birth safely and everything else that comes with raising a child so that they survive and thrive. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, I am committed in doing all that I can to raise much needed funds and awareness so that more children will live and grow up with a good future. We will also personally match the full amount raised from this campaign and donate everything to UNICEF Philippines” Anne shared.

Those wishing to donate to the Dahlia Turns 1 fundraiser for UNICEF or would like to organize their own fundraiser for UNICEF, go to https://gogetfunding.com/dahlia-turns-1