United Nations Association Honored The Links, Incorporated on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations

The United Nations Association of New York (UNA-NY) hosted a black-tie gala dinner on Friday, October 21, 2005 under the theme “A Spotlight on Global Health.” During the evening The Links, Incorporated, was honored for their efforts to help improve the lives of thousands of men, women and children across the globe. Other honorees included, international supermodel and fashion icon Liya Kebede, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO), and The International Federation of Health Plans (IFHP). Ambassador Jan Eliasson of Sweden, current President of the General Assembly, was the keynote speaker and Harry Smith, CBS anchor of the Early Show, presided over the festivities as master of ceremonies.

The Links, Incorporated and its non-profit arm, The Links Foundation, Incorporated have long had a commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of person throughout the US, the Caribbean and the African continent. The Links continue to work to fulfill their objectives by developing a greater awareness of international issues and multicultural events through the personal involvement of its members and enrichment of international concerns.

During the 1980s, Links chapters contributed financially towards the building of water wells throughout the African continent. In the 1990s, The Links sponsored The Uganda Tour of Light, and the making of quilts for the children of Aids victims in Ghana. Links chapters have participated in other international programs, such as the Refugee Resettlement: Rwanda, Liberia, and Haiti and Rwanda School-In-A-Box through UNICEF. Through the contributions of chapters and friends, books, educational supplies, and shoes (project “Heart and Sole”) were also sent to Haiti, The Bahamas, Jamaica, South Africa, and West Africa.

This commitment continues under the organization’s current program theme: “Touching Tomorrow Today, Globally.” Under The Links’ signature program “Education Across the Miles,” chapters have donated more than $300,000 towards the building of 31 schools in townships of South Africa and Nigeria. This program operates today in partnership with International Federation for Self-Help (IFESH). Earlier this year, The Links’ Nassau, Bahamas chapter built a million dollar shelter for women and children in Nassau in response to local needs.

Currently, the World Health Organization is closely aligned with The Links for the Safe Motherhood Initiative. As active participants in the Maama Kit Campaign, Links chapters have purchased thousands of “Maama Kits” to help alleviate the problem of neonatal mortality.

The Links continue to strengthen linkages within the global community particularly on the African continent and throughout the world while diligently working for world peace and understanding.