‘Wake Up Call’ Selfie Campaign: Changing The Face Of Fundraising; Will This Be As Successful As The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Paris Hilton, Liam Neeson, And Others Join This Newest Charity Craze

Tags: Wake Up Call Selfie Campaign; Unicef; Selfie Campaign Unicef; Liam Neeson; Paris Hilton; naomi campbell; als ice bucket challenge; charity; fundraising; internet craze

BY Anne Miller Oct 15, 2014 11:03 PM EDT

The UNICEF's "Wake Up Call" selfie campaign (#WakeUpCall), initiated by UNICEF UK Ambassador Jemima Khan, has already reached 300 million people. This new face of charity aims to support the projects of UNICEF for children in Syria.

Celebrities, who were quick to join the charity craze, were Paris Hilton, Tom Hiddleston, Naomi Campbell, Daisy Lowe, Stephen Fry, Alexa Chung, Liam Neeson, Natalie Imbruglia, and Jeremy Clarkson.

With "Wake Up Call" selfie campaign, you do not have to wait for nomination to be able to join. Unlike the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, there's no need to prepare for bucket of ice and get wet. Simply take a picture of yourself the moment you wake up, post it on your Twitter and other social media accounts and in an instant, you've joined the call to raise awareness and to help children in Syria. Likewise, do not forget to send in your donation (click this link). And yes, you may also nominate three friends to follow your act.

People in Syria are hugely affected by brutal conflict that started over three years ago. But the impact of the crisis on children is overwhelming.

According to UNICEF, 6.5 million Syrian children - an increase of more than two million compared to last year - now need immediate humanitarian assistance, whether inside the country or living as refugees.

"Children are seeing their homes, schools, health centers and communities targeted and destroyed. Millions of dreams and hopes are being shattered. This is no time for the world to look away," said Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

It is hoped that "Wake Up Call" selfie campaign may not only raise awareness about the present situation of children in Syria but also help gather funds as UNICEF is now threatened with lack of funding.

We are very grateful to our donors who have been extremely generous. But without fresh resources, our operations - including life-saving water and sanitation interventions for refugees in Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan - will inevitably be interrupted and some might be completely stopped," said Calivis.