International Save the Children Alliance
Read more about the projects financed by “One euro is a fortune” campaign 2009:
- Education for children at risk in Albania
- Combating discrimination in Russia
- Marginalized children in Vietnam get access to preschools
- Improved Education for Children of Indigenous Groups in Bangladesh
- Or, join the Soft Toys Aid campaign on IKEA's website
One euro is a fortune - the annual Soft Toys campaign in IKEA stores
Every child has the right to education, yet in many parts of the world children are being denied this right. Save the Children are working together with IKEA and UNICEF to help ensure all children are able to receive a quality education across the world, from Albania to China.
The “One euro is a fortune” campaign is one of the largest cause-related marketing campaigns in the world. The campaign has run since 2003 and focuses on children’s right to education. For every soft toy sold during the two months before Christmas, IKEA Social Initiative donates €1 to Save the Children and UNICEF.
IKEA Social Initiative and Save the Children share the view that it is every child's right to go to school, no matter what part of the world they live in. School is a safe place where children can be protected in situations of war and conflict. Education gives children important life skills, prepares them better for life and protects them from physical harm and abuse. Teachers trained in child's rights combined with a relevant curriculum can equip children with respect for human rights and the knowledge and self-confidence to question violence or injustice to which they are exposed.
"Children across the world all become excited by receiving a new toy – but these soft toys also have a symbolic value, as the purchase of a toy could have an impact on the lives of children in another part of the world, allowing them to go to school." says Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Secretary General, International Save the Children Alliance.
By supporting education projects we can give future generations the knowledge they need to free their countries from poverty and violence.
"The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. We believe children to be the most important people in the world, and supporting projects that give children access to quality education is an important task of IKEA Social Initiative", Marianne Barner, Head of IKEA Social Initiative.
Since the start in 2003, the “One euro is a fortune” campaign has raised over 16.7 million Euros for UNICEF and Save the Children global programmes. A total of 50 programmes in more than 20 countries have received donations from the proceeds of this campaign. Here are some examples of what Save the Children has accomplished, thanks to the funds from IKEA Social Initiative and the “One euro is a fortune” campaign:
- After the earthquake in Pakistan 2005 many children were not able to go to school. In one area we made it possible for 450 children to continue their studies in safe, earthquake resistant schools. We also worked with communities to improve the safeties in schools for children in 1,300 families.
- In Albania children with disabilities are often excluded from education and remain at home. During 2008, 4,500 children with disabilities were enrolled in 149 schools.
- In India many children are employed in domestic work and therefore don’t go to school. During 2007 and 2008, 4,000 children were reached directly. By working with decision makers in the government, 600,000 children were helped indirectly through this project.
