IKEA Canada makes $50,000 donation to UNICEF to support relief efforts in
Haiti

Canadians can also donate to relief effort at IKEA Stores

BURLINGTON , ON, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Kerri Molinaro , President, IKEA Canada announced today that the retailer is planning on making a $50,000 donation to its long standing philanthropic partner UNICEF to assist in the relief effort in Haiti . In addition, IKEA Canada will offer customers the opportunity to make a $2 donation to UNICEF for the relief effort at their cash lanes starting today until the end of February. Globally, IKEA Social Initiative is currently working closely with UNICEF who is present in Haiti to determine how to offer additional support.

"We are all shocked by the terrible tragedy that has happened in Haiti and our thoughts go out to all the families who have been affected," says Molinaro. "We know that our customers and coworkers in Canada will want to take action as much as we do."

For more than 10 years, IKEA through its Social Initiative has been a key supporter, contributing to UNICEF's work through philanthropic donations, emergency relief support, sales of UNICEF Greeting Cards, cause-related marketing promotions, in-kind assistance and national-level fundraising and promotional activities by IKEA customers and coworkers around the world.

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 IKEA Social Initiative

IKEA Social Initiative manages social involvements on a global level. The mission of IKEA Social Initiative is to improve the rights and life opportunities of the many children - fighting for children's rights to a healthy and secure childhood with access to quality education. UNICEF and Save the Children are the main partners, with a range of projects take a holistic approach for creating a substantial and lasting change: improving the health of mothers and children, enabling access to a quality education for children, and empowering women to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For further information: Media Contact: Madeleine Lowenborg-Frick, Public Relations Manager, IKEA Canada, [phone] x6378, [email protected]