The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF

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Concert for Bangladesh 40th Anniversary

In 1971 Ravi Shankar asked his friend George Harrison to help his country, which was suffering from the effects of floods, famine and civil war. The resulting Concert for Bangladesh was the first major music benefit concert for a humanitarian cause, raising much needed funding and awareness for UNICEF in Bangladesh.

Today, UNICEF needs the same outpouring of support and awareness to address a humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, where 2 million children are at risk.

Month of Giving

This August, musicians worldwide pay tribute to George Harrison, Ravi Shankar and the Concert for Bangladesh by asking their friends and fans to help. Participants of the original Concert for Bangladesh – Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and Leon Russell are joined by legendary musicians like Bob Seger and Jackson Browne and by young artists like UNICEF Ambassador Selena Gomez, Nas, and Jewel.

See the full list of artists participating in the Month of Giving.

During the Month of Giving all donations to the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF will benefit UNICEF’s lifesaving programs for children in the Horn of Africa. To jump start this fundraising initiative, the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF, which was founded by Olivia Harrison, wife of the late George Harrison, is immediately releasing $1 million to UNICEF for emergency efforts in the Horn of Africa.

Worldwide Event: watch the Concert for Bangladesh on iTunes®

In a worldwide, 72-hour online event, The Concert for Bangladesh feature film will be available from Saturday, July 30 through Monday, August 1 for free video streaming in its entirety on iTunes, georgeharrison.com and theconcertforbangladesh.com.

The digital album of The Concert for Bangladesh can also be downloaded on iTunes. In honor of the altruistic sprit which gave birth to the Concert for Bangladesh, each download will benefit the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF. iTunes, Apple Records Inc. and all artists, songwriters and publishers associated with the concert will keep no income from album sales and have waived all fees.

About the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF

The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF is a joint undertaking between the Harrison family and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support UNICEF programs that provide lifesaving assistance to children, including health, education, nutrition and emergency relief. In the tradition established by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF continues to support UNICEF programs in Bangladesh while expanding its influence to include other countries where children are in need.

Read more about the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF programs worldwide.

Help Us Save Some Lives Campus Challenge

In 2008, The George Harrison Fund joined with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), to launch a fundraising challenge on college campuses across America. The Help Us Save Some Lives Campus Challenge is now in its 4th year. Last year Penn for UNICEF raised over $10,000 through the Campus Challenge to become the 2009-2010 Campus Challenge winners.

For more information on the nationwide challenge for students, faculty and supporters click here.