UNICEF: Claynadians Pitch In; Challenge Extended To $200,000

Canadian UNICEF ambassador and host of CTV's Canadian Idol Ben Mulroney commented on the support Clay's Claynadian fans have given to the $100,000 in 10 days campaign.

"We were excited to see Clay’s Canadian fans join this campaign with such enthusiasm and generosity," said Ben Mulroney. "Thank you so much to Clay and all his fans for your support!"

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Here are the 2 updates we received from UNICEF Fieldnotes in the past 24 hours:

Clay Aiken Thanks Afghanistan Donors + Tune In Tonight

Today is Day 8 of the campaign for Afghanistan and we've already far surpassed the goal. Clay Aiken asked us to share his thanks with you.

Also, Clay is scheduled to appear tonight on Entertainment Tonight. Tune in to hear Clay's thoughts on his trip with UNICEF.

Day 8 Update : Clay Aiken's Appeal for Afghanistan

Our new total is $161,798.82 as of 9 a.m. this morning. This total, in US Dollars, now reflects the donations made in the U.S. and in Canada.

Speaking of Canada, I had a conference call with my colleagues from UNICEF Canada this morning. They heard from UNICEF Canada Ambassador Ben Mulroney, host of Canadian Idol, and asked me to pass along this message:

"We were excited to see Clay’s Canadian fans join this campaign with such enthusiasm and generosity," said Ben Mulroney. "Thank you so much to Clay and all his fans for your support!"

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UNICEF is also extending the challenge to see if we can raise $200,000. Don't forget, you have until this weekend to make your donation. As of this afternoon, the combined total for American and Canadian donations stands at about $160,000. So what can $200,000 do? UNICEF posted this list of what they could do with $200,000 today:

• Large tents are used for temporary classrooms and community programs. Each tent costs $700.

• Hand pumps bring clean water to families in Afghanistan. My colleagues in the field in Afghanistan tell us that only 23% of people living in Afghanistan have access to clean water. The Mark II hand pumps UNICEF is providing in Afghanistan, like the one in the picture above, cost about $206.29 each.

Look at it this way: If this campaign raises $200,000, UNICEF could provide 333 tents or 970 water pumps. What a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids in Afghanistan. If you haven't made a donation to Clay's campaign yet, I hope you'll consider helping UNICEF provide clean water and education to children.