Between now and December 24, 2010, IKEA will donate 1 euro for every soft toy sold in IKEA stores worldwide to Save the Children projects to help realise every child’s right to a quality education.
Since 2003, the annual Soft Toy campaign globally has raised a total of 23.8 million euro, helping eight million children in need.
The 2010 campaign in the run-up to the holiday season will help Save the Children to extend and start new projects in 22 countries. Since the start in 2003, the campaign has helped fund projects in around 40 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.
IKEA believes all children should have access to quality education. Yet 72 million children are being denied that right.
The Save the Children projects aim to improve the education of the most disadvantaged children, recognising that this is one of the best investments to create opportunities that impact generations to come. The funds raised through the Soft Toy campaign contribute to better school facilities and access to water and toilets, strengthen the right to education for minority children, provide educational supplies, and to training teachers in child-friendly teaching techniques.
“With over 300 IKEA stores and many millions of customers joining the movement for children’s education, we can make a substantial and long-lasting impact on children’s lives. This year, we hope to raise a record 10 million euro from the sale of soft toys, while also raising awareness of the importance of education. This will help millions of children learn and thrive,” says Marianne Barner, head of IKEA Social Initiative.
Save the Children is grateful to IKEA for helping advocate the importance of education as well as contributing much needed funds to make quality education a possibility for children, no matter which part of the world they live in. When IKEA customers buy a soft toy this year, they can rest assured that they are making an important personal contribution to a world where each and every child can go to school.
The collaboration between Save the Children and IKEA spans over a decade and we are proud and honoured to work together with such a dedicated partner as IKEA, in the fight for the actualization of children’s rights to a healthy, secure childhood and quality education,” says Elisabeth Dahlin, Chairman, IKEA Social Initiative Collaboration Steering Committee and Secretary General, Save the Children Sweden.
