CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – IKEA U.S. announced today the continuation of ‘5,000 Dreams’, its community donation program focused on supporting the newly-arrived refugee families in local IKEA store communities. Working with three partner refugee organizations — the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, the International Rescue Committee and the Ethiopian Community Development Council — IKEA is donating an additional 2,800 beds and bedding to refugees who are making fresh starts with their families in the U.S. This will complete the total donation of 5,000 beds and bedding planned through the 5,000 Dreams program.
“The 5,000 Dreams program goes hand-in-hand with our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people,” said Samantha Giusti, IKEA U.S. Community Affairs Manager. “We are pleased to continue to play a part in helping refugee families build a new life here in our local communities by providing beds and bedding to make their homes more comfortable and ensure a good night’s sleep.”
The current international refugee crisis is one of the greatest, most complex humanitarian challenges of our generation. Today, the number of people displaced from their homes by violence and persecution is unprecedented in human history. More than 65 million people have been forcibly displaced and nearly a third – more than 22 million – are living outside of their countries as refugees, according to The UN Refugee Agency.
“Resettlement is a collective effort. It depends on public/private partnerships and IKEA is keeping their commitment by providing 5,000 Dreams: 5,000 beds, pillows and bedding for newly-arrived refugees,” said Eskinder Negash, acting Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. This gift not only provides tangible support for those newly arrived, it sets a standard of private sector support that is commendable and demonstrates leadership at a time when millions of people are displaced and wondering where they will safely lay their head tonight.”
“Thanks to IKEA’s 5,000 Dreams program, thousands of refugees fleeing war and persecution, including hundreds at a dozen ECDC affiliate sites around the country, started their life in America sleeping safe and warm in a new bed,” said Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, President of Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. “Their American dreams began with a good night’s sleep in an IKEA bed.”
“After overcoming significant challenges and experiencing unspeakable hardship, refugees come to the U.S. with barely anything, let alone the essentials they need to start rebuilding their lives,” said Jennifer Sime, senior vice president of U.S. programs at the International Rescue Committee. “Through our continued work with IKEA’s 5000 Dreams, we can help refugees build a home in America. From there, they can create a space where they and their families can thrive.”
IKEA U.S. will be working with the three refugee agencies for the majority of the donations. However, for 11 IKEA stores (West Chester, Orlando, Round Rock, Charlotte, Portland, Long Island, Memphis, Sunrise, Jacksonville, Fishers and Columbia), IKEA U.S. will be working with other local refugee organizations to coordinate the donations and ensure timely distribution for those in need.
In addition to 5,000 Dreams, IKEA U.S. has also been committed to helping its local communities through many other social programs, including Early Steps to School Success, Feeding the Future, and the Life Improvement programs, which benefit community schools, organizations and institutions that need a helping hand through IKEA product donations and IKEA co-worker volunteer support.
Globally, IKEA and the IKEA Foundation continue to address the global refugee crisis in many ways. The IKEA Foundation is donating 150,000 mattresses to UNHCR for vulnerable families living within Syria. Additionally, the IKEA Foundation created another refugee program with a positive societal impact, purchasing rugs from Jordan and partnering with local refugee social enterprises and foundations to support livelihoods for refugees and locals. This program will enable 200 Syrian refugee women to produce saleable rugs through IKEA.
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 414 IKEA stores in 49 countries, including 47 in the United States. IKEA has been included in the rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and as further investment in its coworkers raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. 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.
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has protected the rights and addressed the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide for over 106 years. Our vision is that immigrants, refugees and uprooted people will live dignified lives with their rights respected and protected in communities of opportunity. In the United States our network is comprised of over 100 local agencies. Learn more at www.refugees.org
The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 28 offices across the U.S. helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.
Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc.ECDC is one of nine resettlement agencies working in partnership with the Department of State and the Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide initial placement and support services to refuges being resettled in the United States. With a special focus on African refugees, ECDC promotes cultural, educational and socioeconomic development programs to assist refugees and immigrants in becoming productive members of their new homeland. For more information about ECDC visit http://www.ecdcus.org/ and follow ECDC on Facebook and Twitter.
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