23 June 2017 – Today, Unicef NEXTGeneration London, an innovative fundraising group of young professionals based in the capital, announces it has raised more than £1 million to support Unicef’s work for the children of Syria
The incredible total raised by the group – set up in 2014 by Layla Yarjani and Hortense Decaux – is the result of a series of fundraising events and initiatives including NEXTGen London’s most recent success, #CookForSyria. The campaign mobilised the UK’s food community and raised more than £200,000 through 35 Syrian-food inspired supper-clubs, pop-ups, a bestselling cookbook, with over 15,000 books sold to date.
On surpassing the million pound mark, Unicef NEXTGen London co-chairs Layla Yarjani and Hortense Decaux, said: “The world cares about what is happening in Syria and the most important thing is creating meaningful and valuable ways for people to contribute. This can manifest in many different shapes and sizes, and we like to be creative and open to new ideas. We are incredibly proud of our leadership team and wider support community for raising £1m for Unicef.With their energy and support, we were able to build bridges for individuals to help the children of Syria and their families over the last three years. We are excited to see what is next”
All the money raised will support Unicef’s vital work for the children of Syria, where Unicef teams are working around the clock for children whose lives have been devastated by the conflict. Unicef is one of the few humanitarian organisations working for children in both Syria and across the region, as well as for refugee children in Europe.
Mike Penrose, Unicef UK Executive Director, said: “Unicef UK would like to congratulate NEXTGen London on their fantastic achievement and thank them for their hard work and commitment. The funds will have a huge impact in the lives of Syrian children and will go towards providing life-saving food, clean water, health care and psychological support. We look forward to continuing our relationship with NEXTGen to find innovative new ways of supporting the world’s children”.
NEXTGen London members have been also been involved in Unicef UK’s campaigning for the children of Syria and, through their networks, have donated their consultancy services to Unicef UK.
Unicef UK and Next Generation London are currently working together to support the development of Unicef Next Generation Europe, with committees now also in Paris and Stockholm. The #CookForSyria campaign is also being replicated in Australia, the USA and other countries across Europe.
To find out more about Unicef Next Generation London, including how you can get involved, visit nextgenlondon.com
—ENDS—
For more information please contact:
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]
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About Unicef NEXTGen London
- 7 Pro-bono strategy consulting projects secured through NEXTGen for Unicef (Accenture and The Boston Consulting Group)
- 25 Young leaders in Europe advocating, fundraising, working to reach children
- 5,000 social posts
- 1 pop-up restaurant and +35 supper clubs
- 60+ events and initiatives
- 3,000 + Community in London
- 15,000 #CookForSyria cookbooks sold
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing 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.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk