IKEA Canada Celebrates World Wish Day(SM) with Its First Fundraising Campaign
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R)

Campaign will run July to September to help raise funds to support the wishes of children living with life-threatening medical conditions

BURLINGTON, ON, April 28 /CNW/ - In celebration of World Wish Day and the 30th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, on April 29th, IKEA Canada is pleased to announce a new fundraising campaign in support of its new charitable partner. From July 1st to September 30th, 2010, IKEA Canada will offer its customers the opportunity to donate funds to Make-A-Wish(R) Canada through its self serve checkouts. The funds generated through this campaign will be used to help Make-A-Wish(R) in their on-going efforts to make wishes come true for children living with life-threatening medical conditions across Canada.

"We are pleased to build upon our relationship with Make-A-Wish with this exciting new fundraising initiative that supports the Foundation," says Kerri Molinaro, President of IKEA Canada. "With our customers' support, the campaign will help generate funds and awareness for this great cause and help make more magical wishes come true for children in many IKEA communities."

"For many children bravely struggling with life-threatening medical conditions, having their wish of meeting a celebrity, becoming a firefighter or going on a shopping spree can boost their strength and outlook on life," says Jennifer Ritter, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of Canada. "With the help of IKEA customers, this new campaign will mobilize both new and existing donors to bring the promise of tomorrow to children with life-threatening medical conditions."

This fundraising initiative builds on the partnership that was announced earlier this year. IKEA stores and their 4,500 co-workers have been providing inspirational home furnishing expertise to create the magical room makeovers. The partnership is the foundation of IKEA Canada's Children's Support Program that is dedicated to helping children in the communities that IKEA serves.

About IKEA Canada's Children's Support Program

The Children's Support Program (CSP) is part of IKEA Canada's ongoing sustainability commitment to having a positive impact on people and the environment. IKEA believes children are the most important people in the world and in 1998 launched the CSP to support children in every community where IKEA Canada operates. The national partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada will continue to reinforce IKEA Canada's position as a responsible community citizen.

About IKEA

IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 267 stores in 25 countries worldwide, which are visited by 590 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 11 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the ikea.com websites attracted 561 million visitors. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.ikea.ca.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children across Canada living with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, seven independent regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 240,000 children since 1980. To learn more visit www.makeawish.ca.

For further information: or to schedule an interview with an IKEA spokesperson please contact: Sandra DeCarvalho, Optimum Public Relations, [email protected], [phone]; Krista Bussey, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada, [phone] ext 223, [email protected]