It’s a bit surprising when you consider how humble IKEA actually is. I mean, it’s just not the kind of company to toot its own horn, despite having every reason to. And, to me, that’s part of the enduring appeal of IKEA as a global institution — IKEA knows that we all love IKEA, and that’s enough.
But what you may not know about this most modest home decor mecca is that it’s the largest corporate partner of UNICEF, and contributes mad amounts (IKEA’s committed $180-million until the year 2015) towards improving the rights and opportunities of children in the developing world.
This is all done through IKEA’s Social Initiative program, headed by the lovely Marianne Barner, who I had the chance to meet with yesterday. The Social Initiative was founded in 2005 to address the company’s commitment to investments in social programs on a global level, working alongside UNICEF, as I’ve mentioned, as well as Save the Children to improve the rights and opportunities of children. Here are some examples of the fantastic philanthropic endeavours the Social Initiative has undertaken…
* In 2008, IKEA’s “soft toys” campaign (in which a portion of the proceeds of each stuffed animal — see those cute critters above! — go towards IKEA’s Social Initiative) raised over $8-million for educational programs in the developing world.
* Through UNICEF, IKEA has tackled the issue of child labour in the “Carpet Belt” region of India, and is now working to ensure that children aren’t involved in cotton growing and farming, and instead are going to school.Â
* IKEA has donated thousands of items in the wake of disasters in the developing world, including 344,000 quilts to Pakistan, 200,000 soft toys to Myanmar, and 100,000 other products to China following the tragic earthquake.
Check out the full extent of IKEA’s extra-curricular excellence at The IKEA Way website.
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