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Although he has worked extensively for many charities, the welfare of underprivileged children has always been a special concern for Ken. He was made Father of the Year in 1989, and from 1988 to 2023 he held the honorary position of UNICEF Australia Goodwill Ambassador.
Happy faces, Unicef, 1990, gouache and crayon on paper, 59 x 49 cm
He was appointed Ambassador through his involvement with UNICEF when he designed the exterior of the United Nations and UNICEF Pavillion at Expo '88 in Brisbane.
World Expo, 1988
In over 35 years as an Ambassador for UNICEF, he contributed vigorously and generously to both advocacy and fundraising. He has an extensive knowledge of UNICEF's work and has made field trips to both Zimbabwe and Vietnam, the latter resulting in the filming of a major television documentary on UNICEF's programs in that country. More recently he has visited East Timor, and was a spokesperson for 'Change for Good', UNICEF's inflight donation program.
Concert for Unicef International year of the family, 1994, gouache on paper, 61 x 51 cm
He has on several occasions launched the State of the World's Children Report, participated in, and hosted, fundraising events; appeared with Audrey Hepburn, UNICEF Ambassador, addressed numerous audiences from government, media and the corporate world on the work of UNICEF.
In 1995, Ken Done's first collection of Australian Christmas cards for UNICEF Australia was launched.
UNICEF Australia spoke with Ken on the 30th Anniversary of his role as an Ambassador about his experience over the last three decades. Read the interview here and find out how you can help support UNICEF’s vital work.
