A New World Record in fundraising has been broken in Norway. On a chilly Sunday of October 21, about $40 million was raised for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Norway, home to the world’s largest fund-raisers, witnessed an event, known in Norway as TV-aksjonen (TV Gala) - the most trusted fund-raiser in the country, where a different cause and humanitarian organization is selected to receive the proceeds each year.

It was established by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation in 1974 and mobilizes all parts of the society – at a national level and in local communities – and it includes everyone from private citizens to the Royal Family. Last year, the TV Gala raised $35 million for "Doctors Without Borders."

This year’s TV-Gala has been awarded to UNICEF Norway, Right To Play and Norwegian Olympic Committee. Sports can pave the way for a better life and future for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Under the headline “Unite for Children”, the proceeds will be directed towards projects in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, the Ukraine, Jamaica and Vietnam.

Fighting HIV/AIDS calls for extraordinary efforts everywhere. In New York, Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations, Norwegian Seamen’s Church, Norwegian Consulate General, Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Norway, and Norwegian American Foundation have joined forces to mobilize support for the project.