IKEA ask Canadians to help children around the world gain access to education
UNICEF thanked IKEA customers and co-workers for their help in raising $10.3 million CAD through the sales of soft toys at IKEA stores around the world during the holidays. In Canada, over $180,000 was raised locally among the 11 Canadian stores. The funds will be used to continue to provide children with a quality education.
“Through the support of our customers, IKEA has been able to achieve record breaking goals each year,” says Kerri Molinaro, President of IKEA Canada. “The ‘$1 is a Fortune’ campaign allows IKEA to continue to improve the lives of millions of children by offering them a chance to a better education.”
The “$1 is a Fortune” campaign is driven by the IKEA Social Initiative, responsible for IKEA’s investment in communities and commitment to improving children’s rights and opportunities. Since the campaign began in 2003, the IKEA Social Initiative has donated nearly $35 million CAD enabling approximately 8 million children in over 30 countries to access a quality education. This year sales reached a record high and donations exceeded all expectations.
UNICEF will direct this year’s funding to its “Schools for Africa” program that assists children in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Madagascar, South Africa, Mali and Niger. Achieving the goal of universal education for every child including the most vulnerable, excluded and marginalized requires a universal commitment,” says Nigel Fisher, President and CEO, for UNICEF Canada. “We are grateful for the support of our long-standing partner IKEA, both here in Canada and around the world. Customers and staff can be very proud of the contribution they have made to help achieve this important goal for children.”
To learn more about IKEA, visit www.IKEA.ca.