Written by Erin Mullett and Sarah Walsh

At Memorial University of Newfoundland, a student-led chapter of UNICEF is making waves, locally and globally. Spearheaded by passionate students Lauren Ringer, David Humby, and Uswa Ahmad, MUN UNICEF is a vibrant and fast-growing club committed to advocating for children’s rights and well-being through fundraising, education, and community engagement.

 A Mission Rooted in Advocacy and Action

With over 50 active volunteers, MUN UNICEF focuses on raising funds and awareness for children’s access to essentials like education, healthcare, and nutrition. The chapter’s mission is clear: to uplift vulnerable children/youth worldwide while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment on campus. From bake sales to book drives, the team combines creativity and compassion to drive change.

“We want people to know that small actions can lead to big change,” Uswa shared. “Even something like baking cupcakes or donating $5 can contribute to global impact when we all come together.”

 From Humble Beginnings to Lasting 

The club’s origins are deeply personal. Lauren, who led a UNICEF club in high school, was surprised to find no campus chapter at Memorial upon arriving. “It was the first leadership role I ever took on, and I wanted to keep that momentum going,” she said. With her co-founder, Holly Burden, she launched MUN UNICEF last year, and it took off, with David and Uswa joining shortly after. 

In just six months, the team raised over $5,000, including enough funds during their World Water Day Gala to purchase two solar-powered water pumps for underserved communities. They’ve also hosted creative events like “Blind Date with a Book” at the St. John’s Farmers Market and clothing sales at the university centre to promote sustainability.

 Community, Collaboration, and Connection

David highlighted the club’s collaborative spirit as a key reason for its success: “We’ve partnered with the MUN Campus Food Bank, Climate Action groups, and even mental wellness initiatives such as SKY to broaden our impact.”

The club thrives on word-of-mouth and authentic engagement. Social media presence has also aided their chapter positively when reflecting on recruitment and participation. Members praise the positive energy and sense of belonging that MUN UNICEF fosters. 

“It’s such a warm, welcoming space,” said Uswa. “We’ve built something really special, and everyone’s contributions, no matter how small, are celebrated.”

The Importance of Balance 

David, Lauren, and Uswa are actively engaged in our community, alongside being full-time students. To maintain their commitments and prevent burnout, they all emphasized the importance of knowing their limits and when to avoid taking on too many responsibilities. They noted how easy it is to take on too many responsibilities, potentially compromising the attention each deserves.

Personally, Uswa highlighted the importance of organization, stating, “Knowing your own limits is important. I have learned the importance of having strong organizational skills by using apps such as Notion to help me balance my school and other commitments”. 

Lauren then reflected on adaptability, noting that plans often change, requiring creative solutions when things may not work out in ways one would hope. 

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose

Despite being a new club, MUN UNICEF has ambitious goals. This summer, the team is organizing a trivia night at The Station on July 18 and will be returning to the St.John’s Farmers Market on August 9 to fundraise for urgent needs in Palestine. They also plan to soon bring UNICEF’s mission to local schools, presenting fun, educational workshops for children.

“There’s so much potential,” said Lauren. “We hope our World Water Day Gala becomes an annual tradition and that future students keep the momentum going with fresh ideas and a shared commitment to positive change.”

 Join the Movement

Students looking to get involved, the club makes it easy. Interested individuals can connect through Instagram by filling out their form in their bio (@mununicefclub) or email (mununicefoncampus@gmail.com). Whether you're passionate about global issues, sustainability, education, or simply want to make friends while doing good, MUN UNICEF offers a meaningful way to contribute.

As David aptly put it, “What no longer serves one closet can bring a second life elsewhere, and a lighter footprint on the planet,” about their thrift shop fundraiser. That ethos of renewal, purpose, and care defines the heart of this remarkable student initiative.