IKEA customers help children in need – the goal is another 4 million Euro

Foxes, frogs and finger puppets - all donate 1 Euro for education

Between November 3 and December 24, 2007, IKEA donates 1 Euro for every sold soft toy. The donations go to UNICEF and Save the Children education projects in 9 countries. Since 2003 the soft toys activities has raised 6.9 million Euros. The goal for 2007 is to raise another 4 million Euro.

This year 12 projects in 9 countries will focus on improving children's education. It can be about providing school benches, desks, water and toilets, as well as providing materials, such as books and pencils for both children and teachers.

Marianne Barner, IKEA Communications Manager and Children's Ombudsman says that by buying one soft toy a customer can help five children to get pencils and writing pads.

"We are proud that IKEA can be a part of giving children's right to access of quality education. Together with our customers, we can make a difference for children that really need it and we hope to reach our goal for four million Euros this year."

Equal access to education for all girls and boys and quality education in a child-friendly environment is the foundation. By ensuring all children access to education, it becomes possible to build the knowledge necessary to combat disease and eradicate poverty and hunger.

"UNICEF´s partnership with IKEA is priceless. The common commitment we share to continue to work towards measurable results in the best interest of children will make the world a better place, says Anne-Marie Grey, Chief International and Corporate Alliances for UNICEF.

"Save the Children is grateful for the support from the third soft toys campaign. Just as example of what we can achieve together, we have prevented child trafficking in Romania and Albania, disabled children in Russia can continue stay with their families and more than 20.000 children have been provided health and nutrition benefits in Bangladesh." says Simon Cowell, Secretary General for Save the Children.

For more information, see the IKEA website.