IKEA providing over $2M to support vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic
IKEA Canada announced it will provide $2.3 million in product and supply donations to support local communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, the retailer said it will first focus it’s efforts on vulnerable communities, including the homeless, newcomers, refugees, and children, providing home furnishings to ensure “they have a safe and comfortable home during these challenging times.”
The support effort will also go towards providing relevant supplies from its range of medical services and facilities. So far, IKEA stores across Canada have donated almost 230,000 N95 masks to local hospitals and healthcare centres — there are currently 14 store locations nationally.
- See also:
According to IKEA Canada, it has established a national task force working with government agencies and registered charities to determine where donations can have the greatest impact.
IKEA Vaughan donates 66,000 N95 masks to the Toronto PPE Drive (CNW Group/IKEA Canada)
The retailer has already collaborated with Furniture Link, an organization that connects businesses to vulnerable communities and will support more than 1,500 families with needed home furnishings in communities across Canada.
IKEA is also working closely with its network of national refugee employment partners to provide home kits to newcomers in need.
“At IKEA, our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Now more than ever, we know that home is the most important place in the world,” Michael Ward, CEO and chief sustainability officer of IKEA Canada, said.
“By providing home furnishings to some of our most vulnerable and at-risk communities, we ensure that not only are their basic necessities met, but also that their home is a place of comfort and safety when they need it most.”
On March 18, the retailer closed its stores, but kept operating online services.
Follow Channels and Categories