Bilaal Rajan,
UNICEF Canada Child Representative and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Supporter
Twelve-year-old Bilaal Rajan has been a volunteer with UNICEF since 2004 when he decided to raise $6000 to help children affected by tropical storms in the Caribbean. In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami later that year, Bilaal initiated the UNICEF Canada Kids Earthquake Challenge, through which Canadian children raised more than $1.8 million dollars to help their peers whose lives were impacted by the disaster.
Now a UNICEF Canada Child Representative, Bilaal works to reinforce the message that “together, we can make a difference.” In 2005, and as part of his work for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, Bilaal traveled to Malawi to see the impact of the Schools for Africa programme, which is supported by the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, and the money raised through the efforts of Canadian children. Although it was encouraging for Bilaal to see the wonderful improvements the programme has made possible, it was also clear to him that much remains to be done.
In his role as a Child Representative for UNICEF, Bilaal has dedicated his time to spreading the message of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Each year, he travels across Canada to speak with his peers about how Canadian children can help children in Rwanda and Malawi gain access to education by getting involved in the campaign.
In 2008, Bilaal continues to support the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, encouraging kids in Canada to get involved. Join Bilaal today, and sign up for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!
Ben Mulroney,
UNICEF Canada Ambassador and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF National Spokesperson
Ben Mulroney, host of CTV’s Canadian Idol and eTalk, became a UNICEF Canada National Ambassador and the National Spokesperson for the annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign in July 2006. Ben is passionate about helping UNICEF make a difference for the world’s children and his appeal to children, youth and adults across the country helps him reach out to all Canadians to spread the word.
In October 2006, Ben travelled to Malawi, visiting UNICEF projects across the country where he was able to meet with the teachers and students who would see tremendous improvements to their lives thanks to the hard fundraising work of Canadian kids. During this first trip, Ben saw the enthusiasm of a generation seeking knowledge and the chance at a better life.
In May 2008, Ben travelled again to Malawi with UNICEF and was able to see first-hand the amazing difference that has been made thanks to Canadian support of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and the many challenges that still remain. This has been more than enough to inspire Ben to continue his work on behalf of UNICEF and the Trick-or-Treat campaign. Help Ben and UNICEF improve the lives of children in Malawi and Rwanda through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Get involved today!
Farley Flex,
UNICEF Canada Ambassador
Farley Flex, urban entertainment legend and Canadian Idol judge, was appointed UNICEF Canada Ambassador in September 2008. Recognized now for his role as a judge on Canada’s most watched reality music show, Canadian Idol, Flex’s career in the music industry began more than 25 years ago as an event promoter. He is dedicated to building Canada’s urban and mainstream music industry, applying and coaching youth in sports, and contributing to the development of marginalized communities.
In March 2008 and prior to officially being named UNICEF Canada Ambassador, Flex demonstrated his commitment to the organization and to the welfare of the world’s children, through his involvement in UNICEF initiatives such as the TAP Clean Water Project, the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF School Recognition Programme, as well as during his recent UNICEF field trip, in May 2008, to Malawi with fellow UNICEF Canada Ambassador and Canadian Idol Host Ben Mulroney. While in Malawi, Flex visited UNICEF-assisted programmes for children, witnessing firsthand how UNICEF works to ensure health care services, quality basic education, equality and protection of every child.
In addition to his excellence in the media and entertainment industry, Flex has also been awarded as a leading philanthropist. Some of his distinctions include the Harry Jerome Award for Entertainment and Community Service, the Bob Marley Business and Community Service Award, and the Canadian Urban Music Award for Media Personality of the Year. He is also currently involved in the development of online mentorship and youth philanthropy initiatives and sits on the charitable boards of Merry-Go-Round and ParticipAction.
Farley Flex defines himself simply by his interests – entertainment, sports and community. “Virtually everything I do falls into one, two or all of these categories.” He prides himself on his willingness and ability to parlay his successes in the entertainment industry into working with youth on a national level. As a UNICEF Canada Ambassador, Flex will help to spread UNICEF’s message while educating and encouraging Canadians to support UNICEF’s work for the world’s children.
