Sunday’s TV Gala broke all records: About $40 million was raised for children affected by HIV/AIDS. The mobilization in New York resulted in $42,000 alone – and contributions are still coming in. It’s not too late for anyone in the US to be part of the world’s largest fundraiser.
10/23/2007 :: Every year, on a chilly Sunday in October, Norway is home to the world’s largest fund-raiser. 100.000 Norwegians take to the streets and visit 1.8 million households, a world record in terms of participation and per-capita contribution.
The event, known in Norway as TV-aksjonen (TV Gala), is the most trusted fund-raiser in the country, and each year a different cause and humanitarian organization is selected to receive the proceeds. It was established by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation in 1974 and mobilizes all parts of the society – at a national level and in local communities – and it includes everyone from private citizens to the Royal Family. Last year, the TV Gala raised $35 million for Doctors Without Borders.
This year’s TV-Gala has been awarded to UNICEF Norway, Right To Play and Norwegian Olympic Committee. Sports can pave the way for a better life and future for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Under the headline “Unite for Children”, the proceeds will be directed towards projects in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, the Ukraine, Jamaica and Vietnam.
Fighting HIV/AIDS calls for extraordinary efforts everywhere. In New York, Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations, Norwegian Seamen’s Church, Norwegian Consulate General, Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Norway, and Norwegian American Foundation have joined forces to mobilize support for the project. We are planning a number of fund-raising events in October, and we would like to invite you to join us. So far, we’ve raised $42,000 from the Norwegian-American community and we would like to thank everybody for their generous contributions.
On Sunday, October 21st, the Norwegian Seamen’s Church and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) organized a TV Gala event in New York with appearances by special guests and artists. The event raised $3,786.
We will not let children affected by HIV/AIDS struggle alone. Together we can show the world what we can achieve when we all join forces.