“I can testify to what UNICEF means to children because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II.”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“I can testify to what UNICEF means to children because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II.”
Explanation
This quote from Audrey Hepburn is both personal and powerful, rooted in her firsthand experience of suffering and recovery after World War II. As a child living in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands, Hepburn endured hunger and fear, and it was UNICEF’s aid that helped her survive in the postwar period. Her use of the word “testify” underscores the truth and weight of her words—she is not speaking theoretically, but as a witness and beneficiary of humanitarian relief.
By highlighting that she was once a recipient, Hepburn connects her later advocacy with deep gratitude and authenticity. Her support of UNICEF was not a celebrity obligation, but a personal mission grounded in lived experience. The quote bridges the gap between those who need help and those who can give it, showing how compassion and global action can change lives and even shape destinies.
Today, her words serve as a reminder of the long-term impact of humanitarian aid, especially for children in crisis. In a world where conflict and disaster continue to displace millions, Hepburn’s testimony reinforces the importance of organizations like UNICEF. Her life—from war survivor to global icon—stands as enduring proof that giving to others can ripple forward in ways we may never fully see.
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