This holiday season is certainly gearing up to be the season that keeps on giving; literally. Gucci has launched the fifth anniversary of the Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF, which is a holiday period promotion of original collection items sold to directly benefit UNICEF.

Frida Giannini is Gucci’s creative director and she has joined forces with author and illustrator, Michael Roberts, for the fifth annual Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF. Just like other years, this year’s initiative is focused on the holiday time promotion of “original collection items designed by Giannini to be exclusively sold in more than 200 Gucci stores worldwide and on Gucci.com.”

The Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF has repeatedly supported education, healthcare, protection, and clean water programs for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.  Over the course of the campaign’s existence, Gucci has designated more than $7 million to UNICEF as a direct result of their campaign efforts.

Robert’s successful 2004 children’s book, Snowman in Paradise, is the inspiration behind this year’s collection, and Giannini commissioned the author to write a sequel, Snowman in Africa, which will be sold by Gucci until December 31, 2009. One hundred percent of the book’s retail price will go directly to UNICEF.

But for fashion powerhouse, Gucci, that wasn’t enough. Giannini was also actively involved in the design of exclusive Gucci accessories and a Gucci Gift Card which also will be benefiting UNICEF. All of these additional items have been inspired by Robert’s illustrations, and they include two medium sized Gucci Joy handbags (pictured), symbolic charms, a wrist wallet, and a coin purse.

The popular Joy Bags, charms, small leather items, and gift cards are all available in Gucci stores in more the 20 countries. The campaign runs through December 31, 2009 and 25 percent of the retail price of these additional Gucci-designed items will be generously donated to UNICEF.

These recent reviews of fashion icons stepping up the plate to aid those in need through various charitable outlets is a true inspiration to everyone. Help these organizations out by doing your part and joining them in their campaign by viewing and purchasing items in stores and online.

Via: Luxist