Thu Dec 28 20:05:14 200617

Fetching...
 
YOU ARE HERE: Homepage > Newsdesk > Article
Giorgio Armani creates a Christmas gift of "Hope" in aid of UNHCR
20 Dec 2006 17:26:21 GMT
Source: UNHCR
Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 20 (UNHCR) – Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani is toasting a better future for refugees this festive season with a limited edition mug that he has created to help support the work of the UN refugee agency.

Sporting a sleek design depicting the Mandarin character for "hope," the mug was inspired while the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador was on a trip to the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai. It is available this month in stores around the United Kingdom and Italy as well as through online vendors, and will soon be available in the United States and Australia.

For every Armani mug sold, part of the income will go towards UNHCR's global work to support more than 20 million refugees and other people of concern.

"UNHCR is extremely grateful that Giorgio Armani and our other steadfast Goodwill Ambassadors are keeping the needs of refugees in mind," said Nick Van Praag, UNHCR's director of external relations. "UNHCR is almost entirely dependent upon voluntary contributions to provide vital support to millions of refugees under our care, so every donation – such as through the purchase of these beautiful mugs – will help refugees."

The exclusive drinking mug is part of the "Whatever It Takes" range from 21st Century Leaders – a subsidiary of British charity Trade Plus Aid. The unique artistic initiative has encouraged stars from the worlds of sport, fashion, music and film to create a piece of original artwork representing a message of "Hope for a better future."

Other celebrities who have created designs to benefit specific charities include actors Sir Roger Moore, Nicole Kidman and George Clooney. The initial range of 12 mugs will be followed some time next year by a range of decorative plates.

Armani has worked with the UN refugee agency on a number of activities since becoming a goodwill ambassador in 2004. He and his acclaimed fashion company have made significant contributions to UNHCR's public awareness and fund-raising efforts for refugees, particularly during emergencies.

For more information about the Whatever it Takes charity mugs, please see: http://www.churchillchina.co.uk/
whateverittakes/wheretobuy.asp

By Karen Wagstaff
In London, United Kingdom
UNHCR news

Delicio.us  |   Digg  |   NewsVine  |   Reddit                                                                                  Permalink
Thumb for /thefacts/imagerepository/RTRPICT/2006-12-27T173808Z_01_AFR07_RTRIDSP_2_SOMALIA-CONFLIC_mainimage.jpg|/thenews/pictures/AFR07.htm
Thumb for /thefacts/imagerepository/RTRPICT/2006-12-27T110414Z_01_JAK06_RTRIDSP_2_INDONESIA_mainimage.jpg|/thenews/pictures/JAK06.htm
Thumb for /thefacts/imagerepository/RTRPICT/2006-12-27T110143Z_01_JAK07_RTRIDSP_2_INDONESIA_mainimage.jpg|/thenews/pictures/JAK07.htm
Thumb for /thefacts/imagerepository/RTRPICT/2006-12-27T105726Z_01_JAK05_RTRIDSP_2_INDONESIA_mainimage.jpg|/thenews/pictures/JAK05.htm
Thumb for /thefacts/imagerepository/RTRPICT/2006-12-24T090753Z_01_BAZ05_RTRIDSP_2_MALAYSIA-FLOOD_mainimage.jpg|/thenews/pictures/BAZ05.htm

Somali refugee Isinino Hared (L) sells khat, a popular stimulant, to a customer at an open air market in Garissa, 390km (242 miles) northeast of Kenya's capital Nairobi December 27, 2006. Aid agencies in Somalia are bracing to cope with casualties from the front lines, the flight of thousands of people from conflict zones and increased disruption of relief shipments.