Unicef team exceeds fundraising target for Official Race Charity

Congratulations to the Unicef team, which has exceeded its fundraising target of £20,000 for the race’s official charity, and namesake, Unicef.

The Unicef yacht entry was donated by the race to mark our tenth edition and to help raise vital funds and global awareness of Unicef’s work for children.

Hearing the news of her team’s successful fundraising campaign so far, whilst racing across the Southern Ocean to Australia, round the world crew member Chloe Ford, a 31 year-old IT Consultant from London says:

"The team is really excited at the news that friends, family and supporters have raised the impressive yacht fundraising target. We will now continue to work hard to keep raising funds for Unicef and keep promoting its vital work as we race around the world. Having previously met Unicef’s program specialists and the children who benefit from their work in Cape Town, we are determined to make sure we use the incredible opportunity we have on the Clipper Race to both enjoy the challenge and continue to do some good for others."

All twelve teams have been set a fundraising target of £20,000 and crew members and Skippers alike have been busy engaging in a variety range of fundraising activities to support Unicef’s work for children during their 40,000 nautical-mile challenge.

"What an amazing achievement to raise £21,179.06 so early on in the race! Thank you to everyone who has supported the fundraising efforts of the crew so far,” said Unicef Skipper Jim Prendergast.

“We hope that your support will continue as we have further events to come later on in the race, including a sponsored cycle in Sydney to cover the distance of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race organised by Leg 4 and 8 crew member Marta Michalska. We are excited to learn about the difference our fundraising will make to children in danger around the world,” he added.

Unicef is the world’s leading children’s organisation, ensuring more children are fed, vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation.

Catherine Cottrell, Unicef UK’s Deputy Executive Director, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Unicef team for all their efforts in raising an amazing £21,179.06 This money will help us to ensure that more children grow up happy, healthy and strong. Together, we can build a safer world for every child and we look forward to seeing what else they can achieve throughout the next stages of the Clipper Race.”

Unicef works in more than 190 countries round the world, including every country on the Clipper Race route. It works with families, local communities, partners and governments to help protect children in danger.

There are many opportunities to support team fundraising and all funds raised will contribute to each team’s JustGiving fundraising totals. You can donate here.