During November 3, 2007 - December 24, 2007, IKEA will donate 1 dollar for every soft toy sold, to projects run by UNICEF and Save the Children to improve children's education in 9 countries. The projects are based in different countries, and where possible, those where IKEA does business.
A chance to go to school By buying one soft toy you can make a difference and help provide five children with pencils and writing pads. This year's soft toys activity will be the third, and over 230 IKEA Group stores worldwide will take part in the toy activity.
Help improve children's opportunities for education The projects being supported this year cover a range of children's education-related needs. These include building schools and providing school benches, desks, water and toilets, as well as materials such as books and pencils for both children and teachers. Read more
How your help has made a difference... Since it started in 2003, the IKEA Group has raised 6.9 million euros for children in need, from the sale of IKEA PS BRUM teddy bears and other soft toys. Over the years the donation has been towards children-related projects run by UNICEF and Save the Children in 15 countries. By buying one soft toy a customer can really help to make a difference to a child's life. Read more below about how you have helped. Read more
Alma – a child with hope A Save the Children project in Albania tackles child trafficking by addressing some of its root causes: poverty, minority marginalization, insufficient education, poor employment opportunities, domestic violence and the low status of girls. Working with a non-governmental organization and in partnership with local authorities and youth centres, children like Alma, who are at risk of being abused or trafficked, now have opportunities on the horizon. Read more
Cornelia and Alexandru - once neglected children The protection of children and a struggling healthcare system are two of the biggest challenges facing Romania. In Romania more than 70,000 children are involved in child labour and about 4,500 newborn babies are abandoned every year. This UNICEF project works to prevent child abandonment and child labor, through promoting community-based services. Mixed teams of healthcare staff and social workers give guidance and counselling to new mothers in an effort to reduce the number of newborn babies abandoned every year. Read more
Renaguli - a child affected by migration Hundreds of millions of people from China and across its borders flock from rural areas to urban centrer in search of a better life. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly at risk of malnutrition, bullying, neglect and child labor, and have poor access to education and healthcare. Renaguli's opportunities in life have increased as a result of the protection provided by one of 20 Save the Children activity centres that have been established. Read more
Saba – a child rescued from exploitation In Pakistan, UNICEF is focusing on building caring environments for the increasing numbers of destitute and neglected children. The program supports and raises awareness about child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. It also mobilizes the local community and creates open dialogue. Breaking the silence of these children's plight will help to ensure that they have better opportunities and a nurturing environment to live in. Saba is one of many children who, as a result of the project, now has a better chance at life. Read more
Vitali – a child with a disability In Russia children with disabilities have little or no access to education or personal assistance. The result is isolation from the wider community. Parents of 500 children in Vyborg want to change this through a pilot project established by Save the Children and Beregite Detei (a child welfare organisation). The project promotes children's right to physical, mental, emotional and educational development, so that children like Vitali are loved and cared for. Read more
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