Singer Shakira and footballer Gerard Piqué in virtual baby boom

Shakira and GerardExpecting their first baby, the couple decided to share the excitement using innovative social media tools. The online baby shower engages social media fans by welcoming them to visit Shakira and Gerard’s virtual living room.

There, guests can learn about the issue of child survival and purchase an ‘Inspired Gift’ to help give babies around the world a healthy start to life. UNICEF’s Inspired Gifts are real, life-saving items distributed to children and communities in some of the poorest corners of the globe.

Singer–songwriter, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Shakira and FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué are inviting friends and fans today to join their online baby shower – in support of the world’s most vulnerable babies.

“To celebrate the arrival of our first child, we hope that, in his name, other less privileged children in the world can have their basic needs covered through gifts and donations,” reads the invitation from Shakira and Gerard. “Thank you for sharing this unforgettable moment with us.”

The interactive living room is a unique window into Shakira’s work with UNICEF and takes social media engagement to a new level. Guests are welcomed by a personal video message from Shakira and Gerard. After purchasing an Inspired Gift, they will then receive a personal thank you message from the couple. Additionally, never before seen photos of Shakira and Gerard, taken in December 2012 by Jaume Laiguana, are featured in the Baby Shower’s photo gallery.

“Every expectant parent around the world shares all the same hopes and dreams for their children that we do,” said Shakira. “Yet many don’t share the same opportunities. Together we know we can change that.”

At the baby shower, Inspired Gifts cost as little as £7, with thebuy 245 sachets of life-saving peanut paste, enough to bring three severely malnourished children back to health highest being £69.

The link to the Shakira and Gerard Pique’s Virtual Baby Shower is here: www.unicef.org.uk/shakira