Happy Birthday UNICEF!

UNICEF – the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund — was created on December 11, 1946.

Since then, the acronym jhas remained the same by the name has changed to the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Originally, UNICEF provided food, clothes and medical care for children in countries devastated by World War II.

Over the past 66 years, it has evolved into a provider of humanitarian aid in stricken and developing nations.

Among the goals it works for are improved child nutrition, health, and education opportunities.

In 2010, the organization reported income of nearly $3.7 billion, primarily through contributions by countries and individuals. Income was $1.1 billion in 2000.

Modesto native Ann Veneman was UNICEF’s fifth executive director, serving from 2005 to 2010.

Previously, she was the United States Secretary of Agriculture from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2005. She’s the first and only woman to hold that position.

A lawyer, she was also California’s Secretary of Food and Agriculture from 1995 to 1999.

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