Tag Archives: Carolyn Miles

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IKEA launches new in-store play experiences and events; 2017 SAGOSKATT soft toy sales to benefit Save the Children

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, 2017-Nov-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — A new global Play Report, released today (November 2, 2017) by IKEA, finds that people around the world believe play is undervalued in modern day life. That’s why IKEA and the IKEA Foundation are putting play at the heart of this year’s Let’s Play for Change campaign and encouraging everyone to play more for a better everyday life. IKEA stores around the world will launch new in-store play experiences and events starting this fall*. Additionally, IKEA and IKEA Foundation will support important children’s efforts around the world. The IKEA Foundation will provide a grant to Handicap International, Save the Children, Special Olympics, Room to Read, UNICEF and War Child. In the U.S., 100% of the proceeds from 2017 SAGOSKATT soft toy collection will be donated to Save the Children for their U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts.

Building a Global Movement Around Play: IKEA Foundation Supports Children’s Right to Play Around the World

This is the second year of the IKEA Let’s Play for Change campaign – a good cause campaign supporting children’s right to play. The IKEA Foundation realizes that many children around the world lack safe spaces to play and develop. By granting $53 (Є45) million to Handicap International, Save the Children, Special Olympics, Room to Read, UNICEF and War Child, the IKEA Foundation wants to help some of the world’s most vulnerable children play safely and develop to their full potential.

“Every child has the right to play. Stimulation through play is a critical part of a young child’s brain development and emotional wellbeing,” said Per Heggenes, CEO at the IKEA Foundation. “Sadly, there are too many places around the world where devastating circumstances prevent children from simply being ‘kids’. Through the Let’s Play for Change campaign, we want to alleviate challenges to play and development in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, while helping build a global movement around play.”

Playing with Purpose: In the U.S., Every SAGOSKATT Soft Toy Purchase will Support Save the Children’s U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts

U.S. consumers who want to get involved in the campaign and make a direct impact in children’s lives can do so with every purchase from the 2017 SAGOSKATT soft toy collection* – a series of wonderfully imaginative plush toys designed by kids for kids. As part of the Let’s Play for Change campaign, 100% of IKEA U.S. proceeds from 2017 SAGOSKATT collection will be donated to Save the Children. Specifically, proceeds will go toward Save the Children’s hurricane relief efforts in areas of Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Funds will be used to help children and their families rebound and build their resilience following these natural disasters and will support child care centers and early education programs in their rebuilding efforts to enable them to support affected communities.

“Save the Children is very grateful to be the beneficiary of the 2017 SAGOSKATT soft toy sales from IKEA stores across the United States,” said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO, Save the Children. “We have been working to meet the unique needs of children in times of emergency and crisis for nearly 100 years, and we understand how important it is for children to have the chance to play when disaster strikes. We applaud IKEA for its commitment to promoting play for all children – here in the U.S. and around the world.”

Playing at IKEA: IKEA Stores to Host In-Store Play Experiences and Global Play Date

To celebrate the importance of play in our everyday lives, IKEA is incorporating playful experiences at stores worldwide** through interactive games and activities throughout stores during the Let’s Play for Change campaign. These play experiences will be available at all IKEA U.S. stores between November 9 and December 24, 2017.

Additionally, on November 20, 2017 – in honor of Universal Children’s Day and children’s right to play – IKEA stores around the world will host a global play date, inviting everyone to enjoy a variety of in-store activities, games and offerings geared towards the most important people in the world: children. IKEA U.S. stores will offer 50% off all soft toys*** – including the 2017 SAGOSKATT collection – from November 18 to 20, 2017.

Not Just for Kids: New IKEA 2017 Play Report Underscores Importance of Play for Adults, Too

The IKEA 2017 Play Report, released today, focuses on the universal benefits of play for both adults and children, as well as the major barriers that prevent many adults from playing at all. The Play Report also uncovered key trends shaping the future of play, which IKEA hopes will inform new products and solutions for more playful, joyful lives. Among several key trends identified are:

•Return to Retro: As technology becomes more pervasive, people rebel by turning to and celebrating nostalgic games from their childhood. From old board games to the Game Boy, there is a desire to keep play simple.•Multi-Sensory Play: The rise of more immersive and intense experiences that engage multiple senses at once.•Blurring of Boundaries: As lives become increasingly fast-paced, play will begin to enter all aspects of people’s lives. From the workplace to the gym, people will look to play in traditionally non-playful spaces.“At IKEA, we know good things happen if everyone – children and adults alike! – said ‘yes’ to playing a bit more. Play fuels our development, makes us more creative, teaches us to work together and sparks curiosity,” said Maria Thörn, Range Manager, IKEA of Sweden. “Our research has strengthened our belief that play is critical for a better everyday life at home. Now, we’re applying our findings to help enable more playful everyday lives.”

For consumers: To learn more about the IKEA ‘Let’s Play for Change’ Campaign, U.S. consumers can visit http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/this-is-ikea/people-and-planet/people-and-communities/#good-cause-campaign

For press: To view or download press materials, including the full IKEA Play Report 2017, the SAGOSKATT press kit and other Let’s Play for Change assets, please visit: INSERT LINK. To learn more about the beneficiary partners of Let’s Play for Change campaign, and how the campaign’s funds will be used to support children’s right to play, please visit https://www.ikeafoundation.org/campaigns/lets-play/

DISCLAIMERS:
*SAGOSKATT will not be available at new IKEA Jacksonville and IKEA Grand Prairie stores opening this fall/winter.

**Timing of play experiences varies by country. Play experiences will be available at IKEA U.S. stores between November 9 and December 24, 2017. Note: New IKEA Jacksonville and IKEA Grand Prairie stores will not have in-store play experiences. To learn about the availability of in-store play activities in other countries, contact local IKEA stores.

***While supplies last.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 390 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 45 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation (Stichting IKEA Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the IKEA Group of companies. The IKEA Foundation aims to improve opportunities for children and youth in some of the world’s poorest communities by funding holistic, long-term programmes that can create substantial, lasting change. The IKEA Foundation works with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results in four fundamental areas of a child’s life: a place to call home; a healthy start in life; a quality education; and a sustainable family income, while helping these communities fight and cope with climate change.Learn more at http://www.ikeafoundation.org and www.facebook.com/IKEAfoundation

About Save the ChildrenSave the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a health start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Contact:

Kathy Boerner
646-935-3914
Kathy.Boerner@Ketchum.com

Source: IKEA

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IKEA launches ‘Let’s Play for Change’ campaign to support children’s right to play and develop

Conshohocken, PA, 2016-Nov-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The IKEA ‘Let’s Play for Change’ campaign, which runs November 20th – December 24th, is a new IKEA good cause campaign to support children’s development and learning, through participation in sports and play. During this campaign, for every children’s soft toy, book and or small play furniture item sold, the IKEA Foundation will make a donation of $1.10* (€1 EUR) to support children’s right to play and develop in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. The IKEA Foundation’s partners in this campaign are Handicap International Federation, Room to Read, Save the Children, Special Olympics, UNICEF and War Child. The programs supported by the campaign focus on children affected by disabilities, the Syrian conflict, unsafe migration, and poverty.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Children states that every child should have the right to play. Sadly not every child enjoys this right. Millions of children are on the move, making them vulnerable to discrimination, violence, abuse and exploitation, according to a play insights document released by IKEA Foundation today. The insights also revealed that children with disabilities are often the most likely to be excluded from play and learning activities.

“Many children around the world lack safe spaces to play. War and disasters are forcing more children than ever before to flee their homes and make difficult and dangerous journeys. Many more miss out on the chance to play because of poverty and prejudice. Children suffer the most in a crisis situation, and we are committed to upholding and raising awareness of their rights,” commented Per Heggenes, CEO of IKEA Foundation.

“We believe every child has the right to a safe environment where their development through play is part of their everyday lives. Play sparks creativity and helps us learn and develop. The new IKEA ‘Let’s Play for Change’ campaign was established to support opportunities for children’s play, especially those in the most vulnerable communities. In partnership with the IKEA Foundation, Let’s Play for Change has the potential to change the lives of thousands of children around the world,” commented Lars Petersson, IKEA US President.

Let’s Play for Change builds on the success of previous IKEA good cause campaigns, which have raised $142.6 million (€118.8 million)**, since 2003. This is the biggest IKEA good cause campaign yet – with more products and more partners than ever before.
*Based on the current market value of One Euro = $1.10 US dollar
**Based on average of One Euro = $1.12 approximately (during the course of the 13 year campaign)

Words from the IKEA Foundation’s partners:

Handicap International Federation—in Pakistan, Thailand and Bangladesh
Provides Early Childhood Development opportunities to children with disabilities and other vulnerable children in displacement settings.

Cheryl Shin-Hua Yeam, Handicap International regional technical coordinator said:
“Children in refugee camps come from difficult backgrounds, having fled war and violence, facing poverty and poor health conditions. Play is an important tool for them to work through these issues and to be a child. Therefore we want to create inclusive communal spaces where vulnerable children feel safe and can develop through play.”

Room to Read—in Bangladesh and Indonesia
Transforms the lives of children through a high quality of education that includes teacher training, provision of learning materials and developing children in both literacy and reading.

“Room to Read will bring the joy of reading and a love of learning to tens of thousands of children in government schools in Bangladesh and Indonesia”, said Erin Ganju, CEO and co-founder of Room to Read. “Our innovative, data-driven, and cost-effective Literacy Program will effect systemic change in hundreds of communities through the establishment of libraries, training of teachers, and the capacity development of local authors and illustrators to publish locally-relevant and engaging children’s books.”

Save the Children—in Bangladesh and Ethiopia
Prevents unsafe migration of children by promoting protection, education and play for children on the move.

Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children US, stated, “Save the Children is giving children on the move a chance of a better future. The IKEA Foundation, with support from IKEA employees and customers worldwide, helps us give children the opportunity to play, receive an education and be protected from harm. Children on the move are highly vulnerable and our program intends to deliver lasting improvements to their lives.”

Special Olympics—in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Thailand
Promotes, through sports and play, inclusion and development of children with intellectual disabilities.

Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics said. “It is shocking and disheartening to note that the majority of children with intellectual disabilities have little to no access to valuable services and educational opportunities, which often entrenches them and their families in a cycle of poverty and social isolation, which ultimately, hinders their human development. The Special Olympics Young Athletes program, a sports-play program designed to promote motor, social and cognitive development and inclusion for children with intellectual disabilities, offers children the opportunity to learn inclusive play in a safe environment. Thanks to our partners at the IKEA Foundation, we are able to grow our Young Athletes program and reach more children, impact more families and further break down the perceptions that exist for children with intellectual disabilities.”

UNICEF—in China, India, Indonesia and Kenya
Provides safe spaces, education and health support for children aged 0-8 to ensure early childhood development in some of the poorest communities.

“When the brains and bodies of young children are protected, nurtured and stimulated they have the best possible chance of developing fully, learning effectively, and contributing to their economies and societies when they reach adulthood. Thanks to the Let’s Play for Change campaign, we can reach even more children in China, India, Indonesia and Kenya with nurturing care programmes and help young children grow up in the enriching environments they need for optimal development.” said UNICEF Chief of Early Childhood Development Pia Rebello Britto.

War Child—in Jordan and Lebanon
Provides a safe environment to play, learn and develop for children in Jordan and Lebanon who have been affected by the Syrian conflict.

Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder, War Child USA, added “Play is important to children everywhere but for children overcoming the brutality of war it is vital. Creating a safe space to play is the first step in allowing them to reclaim their childhood and begin to rebuild their future after the years of violence and trauma. It is wonderful that the IKEA Foundation has chosen to support these children.”

For a film about the Great Cause ‘Let’s Play for Change’ campaign, click here: https://www.ikeafoundation.org/campaigns/lets-play-for-change/

For playing HOPP, a mobile game which allows the gamer to create spaces to play in the virtual world, and move forward and avoid obstacles that get in the way of play, for free, download at ikea.com/HOPP.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices. The IKEA Group operates 340 IKEA stores in 28 countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation (Stichting IKEA Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the IKEA Group of companies. We aim to improve opportunities for children and youth in some of the world’s poorest communities by funding holistic, long-term programmes that can create substantial, lasting change. The IKEA Foundation works with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results in four fundamental areas of a child’s life: a place to call home; a healthy start in life; a quality education; and a sustainable family income, while helping these communities fight and cope with climate change.
Learn more at www.ikeafoundation.org and www.facebook.com/IKEAfoundation.

Contact:
IKEA US: Mona Astra, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180, ext. 5852
Handicap International Federation: Mica Bevington, mbeviington@handicap-international.us, 240.922.2550
Room to Read: Jacqueline Pezzillo, Jaqueline.pezzillo@roomtoread.org, 1.415.839.4401
Save the Children: Sambi Shrestha, sshrestha@savechildren.org, 475.999.3031
Special Olympics: Christy Weir, cweir@specialolympics.org, 202.824.0307
UNICEF: Ann Reinking, areinking@unicefusa.org, 212.922.2623
War Child: James Topham, james@warchild.ca, 416.971.7474

Source: IKEA

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PVH’s to support Save the Children’s Youth Employment Training and Early Childhood Care and Development programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

NEW YORK, 2016-Sep-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH) today (Sep. 20, 2016) announced that it will be earmarking $1 million of its 2014 commitment to Save the Children to support programs in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next three years.

The investment comes as part of PVH’s recent business focus on the Sub-Saharan Africa region, including a woven shirt factory under construction in Ethiopia’s Hawassa Industrial Park to be operated as part of a joint venture, sourcing in Kenya and branded product sales through various partners in the region.

PVH’s funding will support programs on Youth Employment Training and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD). Save the Children is supporting the national efforts to increase youth employment, entrepreneurship and skills development by implementing education and livelihood programs focusing on vulnerable young people. The organization is targeting disadvantaged children and youth aged 15-24 years old. Save the Children’s ECCD programs strengthen and sustain early learning and school readiness for children aged 4-6 years old.

“Our philanthropic mission is to support the needs of women and children around the world. We are working to drive positive impacts through our efforts to create a ‘best-in-class’ apparel manufacturing industry inEthiopia, improve access to high quality early childhood education and provide essential employment training,” said PVH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Emanuel Chirico. “Today’s children will be our future CEOs, employees and customers, and this investment allows us to better support Save the Children’s efforts to create lasting changes in the lives of children in need.”

“PVH has been a committed partner to Save the Children for more than a decade,” said Carolyn Miles, President and CEO of Save the Children “We are so grateful for their support of children from preschoolers to young adults.”

PVH & Save the Children

In December 2014, PVH announced a worldwide partnership with Save the Children supporting their programming with a multi million dollar commitment over five years from The PVH Foundation. PVH associates around the word are passionate about supporting the organization through a global Sponsor-A-Child program, associate volunteer site visits and other initiatives. PVH Chairman and CEO Manny Chirico also joined Save the Children’s Board of Trustees, furthering support of their efforts.

About PVH Corp.

With a history going back over 130 years, PVH Corp. has excelled at growing brands and businesses with rich American heritages, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world. We have over 30,000 associates operating in over 40 countries and over $8 billion in annual revenues. We own the iconic Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo*, Warner’s and Olga brands and market a variety of goods under these and other nationally and internationally known owned and licensed brands.

*The Speedo brand is licensed for North America and the Caribbean in perpetuity from Speedo International, Ltd.

About Save the Children

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Forward-looking statements in this press release, including, without limitation, statements relating to its plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy, and some of which might not be anticipated, including, without limitation: (i) the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the Company may be considered to be highly leveraged and uses a significant portion of its cash flows to service its indebtedness, as a result of which the Company might not have sufficient funds to operate in the manner it intends or has operated in the past; and (iii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media / Investors:
PVH Corp.
Dana Perlman
212-381-3502
investorrelations@pvh.com

Source: PVH Corp.

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IKEA Foundation has contributed $97.7M to Save the Children and UNICEF since 2003; benefitted over 12 M children in over 46 countries

Conshohocken, PA, 2016-Jan-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — More than 12 million children in over 46 countries have better schools, teachers and learning materials, thanks to a 13 year partnership between the IKEA Foundation, Save the Children and UNICEF.

Since 2003, the IKEA Foundation’s ‘Soft Toys for Education’ campaign has contributed $97.7 million (€88 million) * to Save the Children and UNICEF, helping to increase school attendance for some of the world’s most marginalized and vulnerable children. Funds have also helped train teachers, provide educational materials and improve child protection systems in schools and communities.

This year’s campaign, which ran November 1 through December 26, 2015, the U.S. alone raised over $1.4 million through soft toys, IKEA FAMILY children’s books and card games sales.

“Education is the most solid road leading out of poverty. All children have the right to an education but still too many are left behind. Partnering with UNICEF and Save the Children for 13 years has allowed us to address this issue strategically and invest in improving the quality of education in some of the world’s poorest communities—and we’re incredibly grateful to the IKEA customers and co-workers who have worked so hard to make that right a reality for over 12 million children,” said Per Heggenes, CEO IKEA Foundation

In Ethiopia, funds from the IKEA Foundation have helped UNICEF reach children in rural farming communities with basic education. The flexible schooling model has been so successful that the Ethiopian government has rolled it out nationally.

“Over the last 13 years, the incredible support of the IKEA Foundation and IKEA employees and customers has been invaluable in helping UNICEF transform the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children through education,” said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Thanks to this partnership, millions of children around the world will have the opportunity to receive a quality education and build a better and brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

In China, IKEA Foundation funding helped develop early-childhood development centers for disadvantaged children living in selected rural communities. The impact of these centers on children’s lives contributed to the Government of China’s decision to universalize preschool education.

With the support of the IKEA Foundation, Save the Children has worked in 17 countries in Asia and Europe to provide educational opportunities for previously out-of-school children, to improve the learning environment and to train teachers on child-centered, nonviolent, and inclusive teaching methodology.

“With the help of the ‘Soft Toys for Education’ campaign, Save the Children is creating a better and brighter future for children – giving the most vulnerable kids access to learning, and teachers the tools to provide a better quality education,” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children. “We are extremely thankful for our partnership with the IKEA Foundation, and all the support we’ve received from IKEA employees and customers the past 13 years. Together we have made an enormous difference in the lives of children.”

In Bangladesh, the Philippines and Vietnam, Save the Children has, together with education authorities and civil society organizations, supported policy reform and practices to ensure that children from minority groups learn in a language they understand.

Although the Soft Toys for Education campaign has ended its successful run, the IKEA Foundation will continue its commitment to UNICEF and Save the Children through ongoing grants in Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia in the areas of education, early-childhood care and development, child protection, adolescence and humanitarian response.

Through the IKEA IWitness program, IKEA co-workers get to see first-hand how the campaigns they support create a better everyday life for children and their families in developing countries.

*For every soft toy, children’s book and card game sold, the IKEA Foundation donated one euro ($1.11)* to UNICEF and Save the Children to train teachers, improve child-protection systems, provide educational materials, and increase school attendance in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Notes to editors
Behind these figures are the individual stories of teachers and children like May Yoi Ching Marma in Bangladesh, Naima in the Philippines, Nokolunga in South Africa and Jan Sankoh in Sierra Leone.

Save the Children
The story of Naima in Mindanao, the Philippines
savethechildren.net/save-children-ikea-foundation-collaboration-case-study-philippines
The story of May Yoi Ching in Bangladesh
savethechildren.net/save-children-ikea-foundation-collaboration-case-study-bangladesh

UNICEF
The story of Nokulunga in South Africa
unicef.org/esaro/5440_south-africa_day-of-the-girl-child.html
Studying despite the Ebola outbreak Sierra Leone
unicef.org/infobycountry/sierraleone_81528.html

IKEA U.S.
Mona Astra Liss, US Corporate PR Director
610.834.0180, ext. 5852
Mona.Liss@IKEA.com

Save the Children
Jeremy Soulliere
Manager, Media & Communications
203-295-5842
Jsoulliere@savechildren.org

UNICEF
Andrea Sioris
Deputy Director, Public Relations
(212) 880-9136
asioris@unicefusa.org

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 329 IKEA Group stores in 27 countries. There are 41 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 15, IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.9 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, http://www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, IKEA-USA.com/sharespace

About IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation (Stichting IKEA Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the IKEA Group of companies. We aim to improve opportunities for children and youth in some of the world’s poorest communities by funding holistic, long-term programs that can create substantial, lasting change. The IKEA Foundation works with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results in four fundamental areas of a child’s life: a place to call home; a healthy start in life; a quality education; and a sustainable family income, while helping these communities fight and cope with climate change. Learn more at www.ikeafoundation.org and www.facebook.com/IKEAfoundation.

About Save the Children
Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.
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The IKEA Soft Toys for Education campaign is back, from November 9, 2014 – January 3, 2014

Conshohocken, PA, 2014-11-4— /EPR Retail News/ — The IKEA Soft Toys for Education campaign, a good cause partnership between the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF and Save the Children, was first launched eleven years ago.

The idea is simple; for every Soft Toy or children’s book sold from November 9, 2014 – January 3, 2014, the IKEA Foundation donates 1 euro (approximately $1.30)* to UNICEF and Save the Children for children’s education projects.

The Soft Toys for Education campaign aims to provide quality education to vulnerable children living in poverty in developing countries. Since the campaign started, donations from the annual IKEA Soft Toy Campaign have totaled $ 90.4 million** (€67 million), helping more than 11 million children in 46 countries enjoy their right to a quality education. The donations help UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in child-friendly teaching methods, improve child protection systems, supply education materials, and increase school attendance rates.

A love for reading opens the door to education, which is why, every year, IKEA creates a children’s book based on IKEA soft toy characters as part of the annual Soft Toys for Education Campaign. In this year’s book, “The Frog Prince,” young readers visit the fairy-tale forest and learn about the special bonds of friendship. The book is written by award-winning Swedish author Ulf Stark and illustrated by Silke Leffler. This year’s new soft toy friends from The Frog Prince fairy tale world are:TOSIG: the silly frog

  • LILLGAMMAL: the red-hooded rebel
  • PIPHARE: the wise hare
  • KATTUGGLA: the sweet owl

Supporting Education—Together

“Save the Children is privileged to be a part of the 11th annual IKEA Soft Toys for Education campaign. By adding a children’s book or soft toy to their holiday gift list, IKEA shoppers can help the kids in their own life – and kids around the world – read, play and learn,” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children. “A quality education helps children climb the ladder of opportunity and changes the course of their future.”

“We are so proud to team up with IKEA for the 11th year on their Soft Toys for Education campaign. By donating $1.30* from the sale of each soft toy, IKEA has helped raise more than $90 million to support education programs around the world including UNICEF’s Schools for Africa and Asia initiatives,” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “The unwavering support from IKEA co-workers and customers has helped enable UNICEF to provide millions of vulnerable children, especially girls, with access to school and a quality education.”

“Investing in children’s education is the most powerful way to help them escape poverty. Through IKEA’s Soft Toys for Education campaign, we have been able to improve the education of more than 11 million children through our partnership with Save the Children and UNICEF. Access to a quality education is key to help them create a better future for themselves and their families,” commented Per Heggenes, CEO IKEA Foundation.

*based on $1.30 US dollar to one euro 10/2014
** based on $1.35 US dollar to one euro in 12/2013

For further information about the IKEA Soft Toy campaign, please contact:
IKEA
Mona Astra Liss
Mona.Liss@IKEA.com 610.834.0180/5852

Save the Children
Eileen Burke
Eburke@savechildren.org
203.216.0718

UNICEF
Andrea Sioris
ASioris@unicefusa.org
212-880-9136

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 303 IKEA Group stores in 26 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 40 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 14, IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

About IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation aims to improve opportunities for children and youth in some of the world’s poorest communities by funding holistic, long-term programs that can create substantial, lasting change. The IKEA Foundation works with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results in four fundamental areas of a child’s life: a place to call home; a healthy start in life; a quality education; and sustainable family income. Currently-funded programs benefit an estimated 100 million children. Learn more at www.ikeafoundation.org and www.facebook/IKEAfoundation

About Save the Children
Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, please visit www.unicefusa.org. Find us on Twitter: @unicefusa; join us on Facebook: UNICEF-USA.

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