Over 500,000 IKEA SUNNAN Lamps purchased and matched for donations to children in India and Pakistan
CONSHOHOCKEN (August 3, 2010) — The sunshine story continues. Since the IKEA SUNNAN campaign began June 1, 2009, over 500,000 lamps have been sold and matched for donations to either UNICEF or Save the Children. These solar powered lamps have already started to be distributed to children in India and Pakistan to help them read, write and study after dusk. The IKEA SUNNAN campaign matches every sale of a SUNNAN lamp for donation to either UNICEF or Save the Children.
"Millions of children can't draw, write, or read after sunset, limiting their horizons and possibly their futures," said Marianne Barner, head of IKEA Social Initiative. "We hope our lamps are a small but important contribution to improving the lives of children in developing countries."
The first donation of SUNNAN lamps received by UNICEF recently arrived in Pakistan. UNICEF deployed the donation to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) where unrest had led to substantial internal displacement leaving hundreds of thousands living in IDP camps and temporary shelters; all in need of humanitarian assistance. The second lot of SUNNAN lamps is on the way to Pakistan and is destined to support communities in Balochistan living without electricity. UNICEF is also currently identifying the needs of communities in India and China for future donations. Additionally, shipments have been sent to Save the Children for donations to children in the cotton districts in Maharashtra, India.
"IKEA and UNICEF are working to promote the rights of every child to a healthy, secure childhood with access to education," said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. "Education is influenced by factors both inside and outside the classroom, from the availability of proper supplies to the nature of a child’s home environment. Through the IKEA social initiative children no longer have to struggle to keep up with homework and have the opportunity to continue studies after sunset."
The SUNNAN lamp sells in IKEA stores around the world. In the US the lamp is priced at only $19.99 and is available in five bright colors. IKEA has made an especially sturdy SUNNAN for the donation, designed to resist the wear and tear of difficult living situations, including a battery capable of withstanding high temperatures. SUNNAN work lamp combines low-energy LED technology with solar panels. By charging the panel for 9-12 hours in the sun, the lamp produces four hours of light.
About the IKEA Social Initiative
The IKEA Social Initiative, established in 2005, manages IKEA’s social involvement on a global level. The mission is to improve the rights and life opportunities of the many children. The main partners are the two leading global child right organizations; UNICEF and Save the Children. IKEA Social Initiative invests in a range of programs with a holistic approach, aiming to create substantial and lasting results.
About IKEA
IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings company, was founded in 1943 in Sweden. Since then, IKEA has offered home furnishings and accessories of great design and quality with functional living solutions at everyday low prices. Currently there are more than 300 IKEA stores in 37 countries, including 49 in North America (11 in Canada; 37 in the US; 1 in the Dominican Republic). IKEA has six distribution centers in North America, with a manufacturing facility in Danville, VA. IKEA has been named to Business Week’s List of The Best Global Brands (August 7, 2006) for four consecutive years and Business Week’s List of the Top 2009 Twenty Best Companies for Leadership (February 2010). Additionally, IKEA has been listed on Working Mother magazine’s annual list of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” for four consecutive years. IKEA was also listed in March 2007, on Fast Company’s Fast 50, for its environmentally responsible products, as well as for five consecutive years in Training magazine’s annual list of top companies that excel at human capital development. TIME Magazine (May 2009) listed IKEA as one of the top 8 most global eco conscious companies. IKEA incorporates environmentally friendly efforts into day-to-day business and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment including UNICEF, Save the Children and American Forests. To visit the IKEA Web site, please go to www.IKEA-usa.com and also learn more about IKEA environmental and social responsibility actions and programs. Also visit www.Facebook.com/IKEAUSA.
For further information, please contact:
Mona Astra Liss, IKEA US Corporate PR, mona.liss@ikea.com , 610.834.0180, ext. 5852
