BURLINGTON, ON, May 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, IKEA Canada announced a donation of $100,000 in furniture and home furnishings products to assist with the relief and recovery efforts associated with the devastating wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
IKEA has been working closely with partner agencies on the ground in Alberta to determine how it can best support, both immediately and during the longer term recovery period.
"Our hearts are with the families of Fort McMurray, and we are glad to offer our support to those in need during this difficult time," said Stefan Sjöstrand, IKEA Canada President. "We know that home is the most important place in the world, and we hope that our donation will provide relief to families in Alberta and help to rebuild many homes as the recovery efforts continue. We are here to help and are committed to having a positive impact in the community."
IKEA is working with Save the Children to donate products that will be used to set up and furnish three Child Friendly Spaces in areas with an identified need. Child-sized furniture and activity supplies make a space more accessible for children, which will help bring them laughter, play and affection during this time of crisis. In addition to Child Friendly Spaces, IKEA is also providing supplies to establish infant and young child areas, which features comfortable seating for nursing mothers and change tables.
"Save the Children has a long history with IKEA, they've supported many of our programs over the years and we consider them our partners. We are therefore delighted that they've stepped up once again. Responding to a disaster at home is very meaningful for Canadians, and working with IKEA on this response is gratifying. Families from Fort McMurray have lost everything and rebuilding after a disaster is hard work. Child Friendly Spaces give children a safe place to play and laugh, which is key to helping them recover. Equally important are care and feeding areas for mothers and young babies. We're very grateful for this generous support from IKEA and look forward to continuing to collaborate," stated Patricia Erb, President & CEO of Save the Children.
IKEA is also working with Edmonton Emergency Relief Services to donate home furnishings to support immediate relief at evacuee centres in the city.
We will continue to work with additional partner agencies to donate the remainder of the funds, which will be earmarked as needs emerge for long-term recovery efforts.
About IKEA Canada
IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer with 375 stores in more than 50 countries worldwide, which are visited by 884 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores, an eCommerce virtual store, Pick-Up and Order Points in Quebec City, Quebec and London, Whitby, St. Catharines and Windsor, Ontario with one additional Pick-Up and Order Points opening spring 2016. The company also recently announced plans to open a 13th store in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late 2017. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 25 million visitors to its stores and 75 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, the IKEA 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.
SOURCE IKEA Canada
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Stephanie Kerr, Corporate Press Officer, IKEA Canada, 905-637-9440 ext. 6378, [email protected]
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