Ikea raises more than $10 million for children's charities

Sales of Soft Toys benefit UNICEF, Save the Children

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 3, 2010

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea said it raised more than $10 million for children's charities last year through its holiday season Soft Toy sales.

For every Soft Toy sold from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, the Sweden-based home furnishings retailer donated 1 euro (about $1.47) to UNICEF and Save the Children to support children's educational needs in developing countries.

It was the most ever raised in a single season by the Soft Toy campaign, the company said. Since the program started in 2003, Ikea said, it has raised more than $35 million globally and contributed to the education of more than 8 million children in 30 countries.

 

"Ikea has been a key partner of UNICEF for many years, contributing to our programs to save and improve the lives of children worldwide," said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "With the help of record high donations this past year, we continue to promote the rights of every child to a healthy, secure childhood and access to quality education."

Ikea said it remains the largest global corporate donor to UNICEF with donations exceeding $180 million.