This month, Brian McCarthy’s piece explores a deeply emotional Christmas advert that blends the warmth of holiday traditions with the stark realities faced by children during war.
Two things that are synonymous with Christmas – the sound of Silent Night and the story of “The Night before Christmas”. They are powerful audio cues – you know the song within the first few notes and the story within the first few words. Combine them with the addition of a very well recognised and distinct Irish voiceover reading the story and you have all the makings of a beautiful Christmas message – one to make the whole family feel warm and joyous in the holiday season. “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house . . .” begins Donncha O’Callaghan to the backing track of Silent Night, the familiarity and warmth capturing the listeners attention.
However we quickly realise this advert has a much stronger message when he continues “In wartorn lands Children just want a cuddle, but their parents are buried under the rubble”. We’re introduced to Cilla, a child who has lost her leg from a bomb attack, who must walk with a frame and who like any 4 year old just wants her mom, a Christmas wish that sadly won’t be delivered. We’re reminded that Christmas isn’t a joyous time for all as we’re transferred to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East through the powerful line “In Gaza and Lebanon in the silence between the bombs, children’s nightmares rage on.” Our thoughts are no longer about Christmas cheer, instead about the nightmare some will face this year.
The perfectly timed call to action, explains how UNICEF are on the ground trying to save Children’s lives and how you can help by donating at unicef.ie. Once there the campaign continues with the headline “A Silent Nightmare in Gaza and Lebanon”, a picture that reminds us of Cilla and a Donate Now button.
A simple, effective, emotive and powerful audio campaign with a clear message and action.
If this campaign has moved you, you can donate at https://www.unicef.ie/
