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IKEA US SUPPORTS THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SANDY THROUGH HOME FURNISHING DONATIONS

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New solar project site announced tomorrow in Brooklyn, New York; Collaboration with Global Green USA is one of many examples of how IKEA gives back to local communities

(Conshohocken, PA – October 22, 2013) One year after Hurricane Sandy, IKEA US programs have made a difference in the lives of thousands through the donation of IKEA home furnishing products as well as cash donations. These programs have assisted those effected in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut; states where IKEA has five stores and a distribution center.

Tomorrow, for example, Global Green USA and IKEA will celebrate the selection of a Red Hook location as the first official recipient of a “Solar for Sandy” installation in Brooklyn, New York, highlighting how IKEA is working with non-profits to rebuild communities that were impacted by the superstorm. The Red Hook solar project is one of five planned Global Green USA solar recovery installations announced at the recent Clinton Global Initiative America to help communities increase their resiliency and provide emergency services, including lighting, mobile phone charging, basic heating or cooling, and critical services such as refrigeration. In addition to providing back-up power and emergency services in case of future natural disasters, the solar installation will also provide every-day energy and lower the community center’s energy bills.

The Red Hook solar installation is one of many ways in which IKEA has given back to communities. Other examples during the last year include:

IKEA, American Red Cross and Save the Children: In the days following the storm, IKEA worked through the American Red Cross and Save the Children, to donate 10,000 blankets, towels, pillows and pillow cases, wash clothes and towels, 5,800 blue bags and 2,000 children’s soft toys to shelters to help make families and individual’s stay more comfortable. In-kind donations to just the Red Cross amounted to over $450,000. Additionally, IKEA co-workers that were impacted by the storm received support from their fellow co-workers and from IKEA.

IKEA Brooklyn: The IKEA Red Hook Brooklyn store community – an area that was particularly hit hard by Sandy – hosted FEMA and the Small Business administration enabling community members to fill out applications to receive aid. The Brooklyn store also donated products to flooded local fire companies.  

Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation: In June, 2012, IKEA worked with the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation to provide home furnishings to those severely impacted. IKEA donated hundreds of mattresses, dining room sets and sofas to help Sandy victims rebuild their homes in impacted areas like Staten Island, Long Island and Gerriston Beach.

Save the Children: Working with Save the Children, a long term partner of IKEA, support was given to damaged child care facilities and early learning centers throughout New Jersey and New York. In June, IKEA co-workers from local stores and the Service Office, together with co-workers from Save the Children, pitched in to make over a hard hit facility in Brooklyn. In August, through Save the Children, IKEA donated furnishings and children’s play products to 39 child care and early learning locations in New Jersey and New York.

American Forests Disaster ReLeaf: To replace urban trees that were destroyed by Sandy, IKEA and American Forests Disaster ReLeaf partnered together in late September to plant trees in Asbury Park, NJ. IKEA FAMILY members participated by scanning their cards to trigger a donation earlier at all IKEA US stores.

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy still remains. IKEA continues to be involved lending a hand and helping out. Through IKEA co-workers and partner organizations who lend support, IKEA remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of many people.

To view the video on the Hurricane Sandy US IKEA programs, click here: http://youtu.be/dNoOu36wHNM 

For more information, see IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @DesignByIKEA, and http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/.

ABOUT IKEA : IKEA, the world's largest home furnishings retailer, was founded in 1943 in Sweden. Since that time, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design, quality and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 340 IKEA stores in 41 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.

Mona Liss, IKEA US Corporate Public Relations Director, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com ~ 610.834.0180 ~ext.5852

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