Olympic Gold Medallist Yuna Kim, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, thanks Haiti donors

Olympic Gold Medallist Yuna Kim, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, thanks Haiti donors

NEW YORK, USA, 9 July 2010– In a special video message marking the six-month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Yuna Kim thanks donors who have supported a cause she herself holds dear: UNICEF's relief efforts for Haitian children and families.

VIDEO: In a special video message, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Yuna Kim thanks donors who have supported earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti.

Ms. Kim is deeply committed to improving the lives of children. After the earthquake struck in Haiti, she made a generousdonation to UNICEF'semergency operations for children there.

In her video message, Ms. Kim addresses fellow donors directly.

“When the earthquake in Haiti shook the nation to the core, like you, I decided to help. And together, we did help by providing children with food, protection, clean water, medicine and school books,” she says. “What has already been achieved in Haiti brings hope.

But rebuilding homes, schools and lives will take time, and it needs our continued support. Let us not forget the people of Haiti – or the millions of children around the world who need our help the most.” Grace, wit and strength

Ms. Kim, 19, was born in the Republic of Korea and began skating at the age of five. She won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouverand is ranked number-one in the world by the International Skating Union.

© UNICEF video

UNICEF's newest Goodwill Ambassador, Olympic figure-skating champion Yuna Kim, 19.

Known for her grace, wit and strength on the ice, Ms. Kim became World Champion in 2009 and is a three-time Grand Prix Final champion. In 2006, she was the World Junior Champion.

“Yuna Kim has not only been winning figure-skating competitions over the past several years, she has also been winning the hearts of the global public with her commitment, humility and ability to remain calm under pressure,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake.

“We are confident that the appointment of Yuna Kim as a Goodwill Ambassador will help raise the profile of the Millennium Development Goals for children and will contribute to the promotion of children’s rights around the world.”

Source: unicef.org/infobycountry/repkorea

oldmarine