​UNICEF set the bar high as first team to achieve £30,000 charity fundraising target

The first team of the Clipper 2023-24 Race to achieve its fundraising target of £30,000 for UNICEF UK is non-other than the UNICEF team.

UNICEF UK, the Clipper Race Charity Partner, set a target of £365,000 for the 2023-24 edition, with all eleven teams set the individual target of £30,000.

Determined efforts by other teams have been made, however the team flying the flag for the charity partner have set the bar high and successfully reached its target before the completion of Leg 1.

Image: UNICEF departing Portsmouth on 3 September

There has been an unprecedented effort by UNICEF as they have collectively curated ways to support the Global Children’s Charity.

UNICEF relies solely on donations, and funds raised by the Clipper Race are allocated to their unrestricted funds which means that the money can be used instantly in the need of a crisis.

The efforts of the team have been recognised, and Andy Todd, Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy at UNICEF UK said: “Congratulations to UNICEF on its tremendous fundraising results so far. It’s a fantastic achievement to exceed the target so early in the race, and it will have a great impact on our work.

“Thank you for your continued efforts. We’re grateful for your dedication and creativity in raising funds that will have a positive impact on children around the world.”

Some of the most creative fundraising campaigns include George Ogden, who used his physical preparations prior to starting the race as a circumnavigator to lift the weight equivalent to one Clipper Race Yacht.

Caroline Kannwischer has actively shared her upcoming sailing adventure through presentations at work (combined with muffin bakes) and various Rotary Clubs around the globe (via zoom).

Her story has featured in the Young Professional magazine of SPE to spread the message and call for funds to a wider audience. During prep weeks she started making paracord bracelets/anklets that many colleagues, Race Crew and Race Crew supporters bought against a donation (all profits go to UNICEF UK).

In addition to this, Caroline, alongside crew members Kate Chernychov and Andres Lopes, are the main drivers in launching the message in a bottle campaign, inviting children onto the UNICEF yacht in port to record short messages for other children around the world.

As token of appreciation many of these children also received a bracelet as a keepsake of their visit to the UNICEF Yacht.

Crew members Zina Kranck and Kate Chernishov also put into action the design and production of Race Crew and Race Crew Supporter t-shirts to generate a contribution to UNICEF UK.

Image: UNICEF leading the fleet at the start of the Clipper 2023-24 Race

Kate Chernyshov, Fundraising Lead for UNICEF said: “The whole of UNICEF Race Crew and Race Crew Supporters are absolutely thrilled about achieving the fundraising target of £30,000 so early in the race. It has been a real team effort with an early commitment from all crew members to get involved. Carrying UNICEF's logo on the yacht hull means we are extra motivated to support the work they do, especially against the background of conflicts that have arisen in recent months. Our skipper Dan has set us some ambitious targets, not only in the race but also in the fundraising. We won't be stopping at £30,000!”

It is clear from the crew on board how much it means to everyone to be representing the Children’s Charity. Thomas Udesen who has also been a driving force is this epic campaign said: “Being able to combine my childhood dream of crossing the Southern Ocean, with something as purposeful as raising money for UNICEF to make other dreams come true simply fills my heart. UNICEF's approach towards fundraising has been super creative, and a great display of teamwork. Being the first team to reach its target shows that we are here to make a BIG impact so watch this space.”

So far, the Clipper Race has collectively raised over £106,000 towards the 2023-24 campaign target, a truly valiant effort so early in the race.

You can donate to UNICEF here