UNICEF Canada Revives Iconic Orange Halloween Box with KOTN Collaboration
Limited-edition t-shirt turns Halloween nostalgia into global impact for children
TORONTO — This Halloween, UNICEF Canada is bringing back a piece of Canadian childhood nostalgia with a modern twist. Partnering with sustainable fashion brand KOTN, UNICEF has launched a limited-edition Halloween Box t-shirt inspired
by its beloved orange UNICEF box — the small but mighty symbol that once turned trick-or-treating into a nationwide act of generosity.
The collaboration reimagines the classic box design on a premium cotton t-shirt featuring a built-in QR code that allows wearers to instantly donate to UNICEF’s life-saving programs. Proceeds from each shirt support education, clean water, healthcare, vaccines, and nutrition programs for children around the world.
“Millions of Canadians grew up carrying that iconic orange box on Halloween, knowing they were making meaningful change for children around the world,” said Sevaun Palvetzian, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada. “The coins they collected may have been small, but the impact was phenomenal. The history of Halloween in Canada is more than candy and costumes — it’s also about protecting the most vulnerable children everywhere. This year, that legacy is back.”
A Canadian Tradition Reimagined
For decades, the bright orange UNICEF box was as much a part of Halloween as costumes and candy, encouraging children to collect donations for those in need. First introduced in Canada in the 1950s, the program raised as much as $3 million annually at its peak, driven by students, schools, and volunteers across the country.
The 2025 campaign seeks to rekindle that spirit of community giving in a digital age. The t-shirt’s integrated QR code allows anyone — from trick-or-treaters to neighbours handing out candy — to contribute with a quick scan, transforming each Halloween interaction into an opportunity to give back.
Why It Matters
The campaign arrives at a time of urgent global need. UNICEF estimates that 213 million children in 146 countries require humanitarian assistance in 2025. Due to widespread funding shortfalls, up to 14 million children could face disruptions to nutrition programs this year, while 6 million may be forced out of school by 2026.
By purchasing or gifting the UNICEF x KOTN t-shirt, Canadians can directly help sustain essential services that protect children’s rights and futures.
How to Purchase
The limited-edition UNICEF Halloween Box t-shirt is available now through UNICEF Canada’s official store. All net proceeds will support UNICEF’s ongoing mission to protect and empower children worldwide. Canadians can also make a direct donation at unicef.ca.
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