Most of us think of holidays as one of those few days our employer actually pays us to stay home. We all know the big ones: New Year's, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. And yes, some employers are a little more generous but most likely you'll have no more than 7 days a year that you consider a holiday. Depending on your religious beliefs you may add a few more to that annual list, and find that you're up to a dozen or so.
For a day to be considered a "National Holiday" it needs to be declared so by Congress. And then of course we have the "commercial holidays" that we all love, which in effect are simply days that have become popular over the years. We all love them, but for some of us that just isn't enough. Organizations, corporation, and even loosely connected groups of people can "declare" a day for any reason they choose. Some of these days catch on and become popular with the general population, some remain only recognized by their creator, and some fizzle out and become a mere memory after only a year or two.
The point is - Every day, somewhere someone is celebrating something.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

National UNICEF Day ~ October 31


While most kids are out in costume today begging for candy, some will show up on your doorstep saying "trick or treat for UNICEF."  The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was created in 1946 by the United Nations to provide food and health care to children in countries devastated by World War II.  It continues today to help provide relief for children around the globe with funds donated by both governments and private donations. 

One of the most widely known fundraising campaigns in this country is trick or treating for UNICEF which began in 1950.  Each year small orange boxes are handed out to school children and to date donations from these boxes has topped $223 million dollars in Canada and the US.  So, when the doorbell rings this year make sure you have some nickles ready just in case you hear the familiar "TRICK OR TREAT FOR UNICEF"
Posted by Rita Ballantyne at 8:00 AM
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