After One Year, Over 500,000 IKEA SUNNAN Lamps Purchased and Matched for Donations to Children in India and Pakistan
The sunshine story continues. Since the IKEA SUNNAN campaign began June 1, 2009, over 500,000 lamps have been sold and matched for donations to either UNICEF or Save the Children. These solar powered lamps have already started to be distributed to children in India and Pakistan to help them read, write and study after dusk. The IKEA SUNNAN campaign matches every sale of a SUNNAN lamp for donation to either UNICEF or Save the Children.
“Millions of children can’t draw, write, or read after sunset, limiting their horizons and possibly their futures”
“Millions of children can’t draw, write, or read after sunset, limiting their horizons and possibly their futures,” said Marianne Barner, head of IKEA Social Initiative. “We hope our lamps are a small but important contribution to improving the lives of children in developing countries.”
The first donation of SUNNAN lamps received by UNICEF recently arrived in Pakistan. UNICEF deployed the donation to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) where unrest had led to substantial internal displacement leaving hundreds of thousands living in IDP camps and temporary shelters; all in need of humanitarian assistance. The second lot of SUNNAN lamps is on the way to Pakistan and is destined to support communities in Balochistan living without electricity. UNICEF is also currently identifying the needs of communities in India and China for future donations. Additionally, shipments have been sent to Save the Children for donations to children in the cotton districts in Maharashtra, India.
“IKEA and UNICEF are working to promote the rights of every child to a healthy, secure childhood with access to education,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. “Education is influenced by factors both inside and outside the classroom, from the availability of proper supplies to the nature of a child’s home environment. Through the IKEA social initiative children no longer have to struggle to keep up with homework and have the opportunity to continue studies after sunset.”
The SUNNAN lamp sells in IKEA stores around the world. In the US the lamp is priced at only $19.99 and is available in five bright colors. IKEA has made an especially sturdy SUNNAN for the donation, designed to resist the wear and tear of difficult living situations, including a battery capable of withstanding high temperatures. SUNNAN work lamp combines low-energy LED technology with solar panels. By charging the panel for 9-12 hours in the sun, the lamp produces four hours of light.
About the IKEA Social Initiative: The IKEA Social Initiative, established in 2005, manages IKEA’s social involvement on a global level. The mission is to improve the rights and life opportunities of the many children. The main partners are the two leading global child right organizations; UNICEF and Save the Children. IKEA Social Initiative invests in a range of programs with a holistic approach, aiming to create substantial and lasting results.
