IKEA Korea donates KRW 100 million to the ‘Mom-up Project’ for the fourth consecutive year

The ‘Mom-up Project’ is a social contribution project led by IKEA Korea in partnership with the Korea Foundation for Women since 2017. Aimed at supporting the emotional and social independence of unwed single moms, the project offers opportunities for the single moms to raise their children in a healthy and sustainable environment. Over the past three years, a total of 95 families have participated in various support programs to help improve their self-confidence and homes. In 2020, the project conducted online self-help meetings and experience activities, improvement of children's study rooms, and a personalized psychological counselling program called the ‘My Heart Report’ for the unwed single mothers whose economic activity has been impacted by COVID-19. In a follow-up survey, the single moms said that the self-help groups and counselling helped the recovery of their self-esteem and that the improvements to their children’s study rooms have made significant positive impact in their everyday lives.

In 2021, the ‘Mom-up Project’ will support 40 families in Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongnam area selected in partnership with local organizations in Busan. This year, in-person home visits will be made to gain a better understanding of the life at home and provide a more practical and sustainable support. IKEA DongBusan co-workers will also actively take part in conducting home furnishing workshops and consulting to create a happier everyday life for the single mothers and their children. More information about the ‘Mom-up Project’ can be found at the Korea Foundation for Women website (www.womenfund.or.kr).

“We are excited to kick off the 4th year of the ‘Mom-up Project’ and continue our support for unwed single mothers, empowering them to move forward towards a brighter future with their children,” said Fredrik Johansson, Country Retail Manager at IKEA Korea. “In the face of worsening inequality risks brought on by COVID-19, we at IKEA Korea are more committed than ever before to create a fairer and more inclusive society and safer, happier everyday life for the many people.”

“As challenges of childcare continues to grow in the prolonged pandemic, unwed single moms are struggling more than ever to juggle jobs and childcare responsibilities on their own,” said Pilwha Chang, Chairperson of the Korea Foundation for Women. “We warmly welcome the continued support of IKEA Korea, contributing to better lives of single moms and their families in a time of need.”