IKEA Canada co-workers roll up their sleeves and grab a shovel for the 16th annual "Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree" event with Tree Canada

BURLINGTON, ON, May 15, 2012 /CNW/ - On the heels of being named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for a fourth year in a row, IKEA co-workers will join Tree Canada from today to plant trees and shrubs in local communities surrounding IKEA Canada's 11 stores. The 16^th annual "Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree" program restores green spaces using proceeds from Christmas tree sales sold at IKEA during the holiday season.

Since the "Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree" program started in 1996, IKEA co-workers have planted over 20,000 trees and shrubs. These trees have the potential to absorb approximately 13,568 tonnes of CO2 over an 80-year period. That is equivalent to taking 3360 cars off the road for one year.

"We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with Tree Canada," says Kerri Molinaro, President of IKEA Canada. "Our stores take great pride in participating in our annual tree planting campaign. Its success is driven by our co-workers passion and commitment to being a responsible company and giving back to the communities IKEA serves."

The 20,000 trees IKEA co-workers have planted nation-wide provide many benefits to communities, such as noise reduction, cleaner air, erosion control, wetland protection, habitat, wildlife and biodiversity creation and restoration, beautification, and shaded play areas.

"Tree Canada and IKEA have enjoyed a special relationship for over 16 years," says Tree Canada President Michael Rosen. "Together we have worked hard to meet sustainability goals in communities throughout Canada and have made profound and lasting change through tree planting initiatives with IKEA employees and community groups. IKEA has planted over 20,000 trees and shrubs to date in urban areas and we continue to look forward to future projects with this great company."

About IKEA
IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 325 stores in 40 countries worldwide, which are visited by 734 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 904 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 Tree Canada
Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. A winner of the Canadian Environmental Award (2007), Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. To date, more than 77 million trees have been planted, more than 450 schoolyards have been greened, and Tree Canada has organized 9 national urban forest conferences. More information about Tree Canada is available at www.treecanada.ca.

Media Contact:

Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick
National Public Relations Manager,
IKEA Canada
T: 905-637-9440 x6378
[email protected]