UNICEF launches national solidarity campaign "FOR 1000 FAMILIES FROM THE EDGE"

Belgrade, September 29, 2021 - UNICEF in Serbia launches a major solidarity campaign to provide one-time financial assistance to thousands of families living in extreme poverty. Through this action, UNICEF wants to gather and encourage all citizens and companies to use their donations to help raise the money that these families, and especially their children, need to get through the winter.

"Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 7% of people in Serbia lived in absolute poverty, and we know that economic shocks mostly affect children from the poorest families. That is why cash benefits to families with children are an extremely important type of support for the most vulnerable in times of crisis. With the arrival of winter, living conditions become even more difficult, and costs increase. That is why it is necessary for us all to unite and ensure that families struggling with severe poverty are ready for the winter with the basics - a solid roof over their heads, enough heating and warm clothes and shoes for children“, said Deyana Kostadinova, UNICEF Representative in Serbia.

Living on the edge of existence, from the payment of one to the next social benefit, exhausts both parents and children. A quarter of families still have reduced incomes compared to the period before the pandemic, and their health expenses have risen in the meantime. The crisis and uncertainty caused by the pandemic are not over. That is why UNICEF, together with its partners, is working to provide financial support for 1,000 families living in the greatest poverty. More than 4,000 children from families struggling with poverty have already been supported through this one-time financial assistance program. UNICEF data show that more than half of families receiving this type of assistance spend between 80 and 100 percent of their money on children's needs. However, the need for this form of assistance is great and exceeds the available UNICEF funds.

Poverty can have long-term consequences for children and that is why it is important to help families in the greatest poverty to overcome the crisis caused by the pandemic in time.

UNICEF's solidarity campaign "For 1000 families from the edge" will last from October 1 to November 20. During that period, citizens and companies can donate through the website: donacije.unicef.rs

UNICEF's program to support families living in the greatest poverty takes place within the program of cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia.