"In 1947 a young Czechoslovakian girl called Jitka Samkova painted a colourful picture of children dancing around a maypole in the sunshine. She sent it as a thank you to a newly-created organisation called UNICEF which had provided milk and medicine to the children of her war-ravaged village.
UNICEF – or the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund as it was originally known – was set up after World War II to help children such as Jitka in countries across Europe and the Middle East, and in China. Many children were suffering from hunger and extreme hardship following the war, particularly in the harsh winter of 1946–7. Then, as today, UNICEF supplied these vulnerable children with life-saving supplies of food, blankets and medicine.
Jitka’s cheerful painting was to become famous. In 1949, it was reproduced on the first official UNICEF greeting card. A controversial idea at the time, it was to prove a huge success."
(from the UNICEF site)
Sixty years have passed since their first card was made, and on this “Cards Full of Life” anniversary, UNICEF Poland has launched a campaign to spread 1000 cards around the world – and track their progress as they hop from destination to destination, spreading the word about this wonderful initiative.
And you can be part of it too! There are still 100 cards left to be released, and UNICEF has decided to partner with Postcrossing to get these cards traveling around the world!
Think you can send these postcards on a looooong journey? Leave a comment below! We’ll collect the addresses of the first 100 commenters on this post (only one comment per address please), and send them to UNICEF, who will then mail you your UNICEF card. Remember, these cards have a journey of awareness to fulfill, and you will be responsible for sending them onwards on their trip. Where to? Your choice! Keep them moving, spread the word! :)
PS – Not one of the lucky 100? Don’t worry! You can track any UNICEF card you buy at UNICEF’s shop on their site, and start your own chain!
