It’s a box.
Nothing very exciting. You might think.
Not really the sort of thing you would feature in a blog post.
Who wants to look at endless boxes?
But wait.
Just look at where some of these boxes are heading - Sudan, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Afghanistan ...
And let me tell you a little about what's inside these boxes.
There’s everything from medicines, vaccines and life-saving nutritional supplements to school books, sanitation supplies and mosquito nets.
Many of these items can be bought in our local supermarket, like paracetamol, cotton wool and soap. But to others they are essential resources that they simply don’t have and desperately need.
I’ve seen the incredible difference the work of UNICEF can make to the lives of children in developing countries and I’ve been blown away by the commitment and dedication of their staff. Yet none of this work would be possible without supplies. None of it at all.
I travelled to Denmark with UNICEF to visit their supply division in Copenhagen, walking the exact same route Kate and William took the previous week although without the 50-odd press team.
I heard about their work, listened to the stories of the people they have helped, and heard about the children and families out there right now who still need our help. When I can put that into words I will.
In the meantime, here’s where I try to lend a hand and possibly mixed up a few boxes.
The supply division has a staff of just under 1000 representing 133 nationalities; so when there’s a crisis in China or in Pakistan or any country where English is not their mother-tongue, there’s someone on hand who knows the country and can speak the language and can help in those critical 48 hours when reports need to be gathered and essential supplies prepared for shipment.
The purpose of the trip was to hear about their Inspired Christmas gifts, which can make an amazing difference to children and families this festive season. The range includes a midwifery kit, weighing scales, a nursery-in-a-box, vaccines carriers, vaccines and essential nutrition, to name a handful. They are real, life-saving supplies delivered directly to vulnerable children around the world.
Visits like this really make me think and I always need a little time to gather my thoughts on returning home, so I’ll be saying more about the range in future posts.
As I was leaving the warehouse, this box caught my eye. Destination: Somalia.
Makes you think, doesn’t it?
Looks like it was a worthwhile trip Rosie.
PS- I love it that you and I are the only two bloggers left on type pad!
Posted by: Susanna | November 15, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Ha! Do you think that means we're rare and special, or do they know something we don't?!!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 15, 2011 at 02:14 PM
It makes unicef more real and relevant somehow by seeing all those boxes of supplies actually labelled and ready for shipping. It sounds like a fascinating trip.
Posted by: Midlife Singlemum | November 15, 2011 at 03:24 PM
You're right - there's an incredible story behind those boxes.(Ps you look very glam in a hard hat)
Posted by: Jody Brettkelly | November 15, 2011 at 08:54 PM
Thanks Rachel. It really hits home when you see the countries these supplies are being sent to. As you say, it makes it a lot more real.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 15, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Thanks Jodi. It would be lovely to follow a box right to its end user, wouldn't it. (I knew I should have brought that hard hat home with me!)
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 15, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Amazing blog Rose! xx
Posted by: sue | November 17, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Thanks very much, Sue! xx
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 18, 2011 at 02:33 PM