Give the Gift of Education {IKEA Soft Toys for Education}

Last year I had the opportunity to read my favorite children’s book to my son’s third grade class. His teacher had invited parents to come throughout the year and read their favorite children’s book to the students and tell them why we love reading. She hoped to instill in her students a lifelong love of reading. As I sat in the chair and looked around at all the children sitting around me and began reading my book, an overwhelming sense of gratitude filled my heart. My children are so fortunate and blessed to have such a wonderful education.

 

Since the time my children were babies, I have loved reading to them. In fact, reading to my children was the source of me beginning my blog since I loved to go to the library and create crafts with my kids after reading a story. Now that my two oldest children are in Elementary School, I am grateful that they have teachers who have impacted them by sharing their love of reading.

Unfortunately, not every child is privileged to have the same type of education that our children are able to receive. This is why I’m excited to share the IKEA Soft Toys for Education Campaign with you today. The IKEA Foundation has been working on improving education for children in low income countries. They believe education is the most impactful way for children to escape poverty because it has a direct impact on their well-being, from better health to increased opportunities. It gives children the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to shape a better future for themselves and their future generations.

  

How Can We Help?

For every soft toy or children’s book sold at IKEA between November 9, 2014 and January 3, 2015, the IKEA Foundation will donate $1.00 to children’s education through UNICEF and Save the Children. 

How Effective is the Campaign?

• Last year, the IKEA Foundation raised $13.6 million (10.1 million euro) and over $1 million was raised in the US. 
• Since 2003, more than 11 million children have have been impacted through 99 projects in 46 countries. Total amount donated is $90.4 million (67 million euro) and this year they will probably go over $100 million in total contributions.  

How are the Donations Being Used? 

The donations will help UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in child-friendly teaching methods, improve child protection systems, supply educational materials in schools, help rebuild schools, provide better water and toilet facilities, and increase school attendance rates. You can learn more about the ways in which the donations will be used by visiting the IKEA Foundation Website.   

My daughter with her soft toy that she picked out at IKEA.

So this year when you are out doing your Christmas shopping, help give the gift of Education! Drop by IKEA and pick up some soft toys and books. They make great gifts for children, stocking stuffers, and also for making toy donations for the holiday season. This is such a simple and fantastic way to make a difference!