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January 2nd, 2001 ROCH VOISINE PART OF THE UNICEF FAMILY A Powerful Voice for the World's Children Canadian singer and composer Roch Voisine, recipient of the Juno, Gémeaux, Victoire (France) and Renoncia (Francophonie) awards took up the cause of the world's children by becoming a UNICEF Canada Special Representative in September 2000. In accepting the post with UNICEF, continuing his commitment to humanitarian issues, Mr. Voisine said: "I know the joy and meaning that music can bring to people the world over", said Voisine. "If, through my music and my career, I can inspire others to help children in need, I will feel very proud." Mr. Voisine was inspired by the work of UNICEF international Honorary Spokesperson Nana Mouskouri, who recorded Voisine's song, Waiting, with the French adaptation, Dix mille ans encore. Mr. Voisine began his work with UNICEF by recording national public service announcements for television and radio, commencing with the annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF fundraising campaign in October, UNICEF Month. Throughout the fall of 2000 he spoke about UNICEF’s work in his many media interviews, at the launch of his two new CD’s, during his Christmas concert performances and on his Christmas television specials. In his travels at the beginning of 2001 he will visit UNICEF projects in Kenya. Roch Voisine was born in New Brunswick in 1963, moving to Quebec when he was 10. When a knee injury prevented him from becoming a professional hockey player, he began writing songs while studying at the University of Ottawa. In 1989 he recorded the song Helene which became a huge hit in Quebec and France, selling 3 million copies. This was the beginning of many successful songs and albums in French and English, concert tours in Canada and Europe, and awards during the 1990's. He performed with David Foster at Canada's 125th birthday celebration on Parliament Hill the hit song they co-wrote, I'll Always Be There. In 1992 at 29, he was the youngest artist to receive from the French Government the distinction of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. He was also the recipient of the Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Pléiade from the Government of France. In 1997 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In October 2000, Voisine released two new albums, Christmas is Calling and L'Album de Noël, in Canada and France. In November 2000 his French Christmas television special aired on TVA and in December his English Christmas television special aired on CBC TV. In December 2000 he traveled from coast to coast performing Christmas concerts in more than a dozen Canadian cities. Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF works in over 150 developing countries to meet the basic needs of children, protect them from abuse, and help them reach their full potential. UNICEF works in such areas as health care, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, child exploitation, peace building and children afftected by emergency situations.