Every year on December 11, UNICEF Day for Change brings communities together to celebrate UNICEF’s founding and to raise awareness and essential funds to support children in need across the globe. It’s a time when small acts — like saving spare coins — can combine into powerful support for health care, education, protection, and nutrition.

What is UNICEF Day for Change?

UNICEF Day for Change is an annual global initiative marking the anniversary of the creation of UNICEF in 1946. The day encourages individuals, schools, workplaces, and community groups to gather spare change, host fundraising events, and learn more about UNICEF’s mission to protect every child’s right to survive, thrive, and learn.

When is UNICEF Day for Change?

Observed each year on December 11, in 2025 the date falls on a Thursday. This day offers a consistent yearly moment to unite people of all ages behind a shared goal: improving the lives of vulnerable children around the world.

Why UNICEF Day for Change Matters

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, working to provide lifesaving vaccines, clean water, early childhood nutrition, education, emergency aid, and child protection programs. UNICEF Day for Change highlights that even simple acts—like recycling small change or hosting a bake sale—can contribute to transformative support. It shows how collective action adds up to real change for children facing hardship.

How to Get Involved in UNICEF Day for Change

  • Collect spare change: Use jars, piggy banks, or classroom tins to gather coins from home, school, or work.
  • Host a fundraiser: Bake sales, sponsored walks, quiz nights, coin drives, or creative challenges all work—choose something fun and inclusive.
  • Raise awareness: Share facts about UNICEF’s work in your community or on social media, and highlight how donations help.
  • Engage schools: Classrooms can create projects or assemblies around UNICEF’s goals, using lesson plans to spark conversation.
  • Match your efforts: Encourage local businesses or groups to match coin collections or sponsorships for even bigger impact.
  • Donate online: Transfer what you’ve raised to UNICEF’s official platforms or give directly to dedicated Day for Change pages.

History of UNICEF Day for Change

UNICEF was founded on December 11, 1946, to assist children in war-torn countries. Over the years, its mandate grew to support child health, education, protection, and emergency response internationally. UNICEF Day for Change began in the early 2010s as a way to mark the organization’s birthday, shining a light on child poverty and ensuring communities could take part in fundraising from small-scale to large-scale.

Noteworthy Facts About UNICEF Day for Change

  • The day coincides with UNICEF’s founding anniversary, offering a consistent reminder every year.
  • Fundraising activities range from classroom coin jars to community fairs and corporate matching programs.
  • Your spare change can fund a vaccine, support a school meal, or help deliver clean water in emergencies.
  • UNICEF Day for Change empowers young people — classrooms often lead fundraising and learning projects.
  • Since its launch, the initiative has engaged millions globally to support life-saving UNICEF programs.

Hashtags

#UNICEFDayForChange, #ChangeForChildren, #EveryCoinCounts

Links

Event Information

Event Date

December 11, 2025

Event Category

Community & Inclusion Awareness

Event Country

International

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