Date Published: 6 March 2009

IKEA Soft Toy campaign raises 5.4 million Euros for education projects

A new record has been broken in the recent campaign to raise money to improve children's education. IKEA customers rose to the challenge and we thank them for their support in buying IKEA soft toys. IKEA Social Initiative will now donate close to 5.4 million euros (approximately £4.8 million) to UNICEF and Save the Children. Since its start in 2003, the proceeds from the campaign are 16.7 million euros to support a total of 40 projects in 20 countries.

"Together we can rewrite the future for children all over the world. Thousands of children with disabilities, from poor rural areas or ethnic minorities have been given access to education thanks to the donations from IKEA Social Initiative. By providing education to children, we reduce their vulnerability and empower them to build better lives and realsie their dreams", says Charlotte Petri Gornitzka Secretary General, International Save the Children Alliance.

Concrete changes from soft toys

5.4 million euros raised in the recent Soft Toy campaign will benefit eight Save the Children projects in Albania, Bangladesh, China, India, Ivory Coast, Pakistan, Russia, and Vietnam and eight UNICEF projects in Macedonia, Moldova, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

"UNICEF is thrilled that IKEA, its co-workers and customers once again are able to make real concrete changes for impoverished children from soft cuddly toys", said Philip O'Brien, Director of UNICEF Private Fundraising & Partnerships Division.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. (Statement from unicef.org)

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