Ikea Brightens Lives for Refugees
On 1 February 2015, the IKEA Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign returns to raise millions of dollars for refugees living around the world.
For every LED light bulb purchased in IKEA stores in February and March 2015, the IKEA Foundation will donate €1(approx. AUD$1.45) to help UNHCR light refugee camps—making them a safer, more suitable place for the many families who live there.
How the campaign helps refugees:
Today there are over 13 million Syrian refugees under UNHCR’s care, half of whom are children. For those refugees living in camps, all livelihood, social and educational activities usually stop after sundown, because refugee camps can be extremely dark places. Thanks to the Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign, many now have lighting and energy solutions.
Part of the funds from last year’s campaign have been used to help over 11,000 Syrian refugees living in Azraq refugee camp, Jordan, by providing families with a solar-powered lantern, which can be used for mobile-phone charging and as a light source so families can carry on with their everyday activities. Solar lanterns allow girls and boys to study after dark, helping them with their education and progress in school. Lanterns and solar street lights mean that adults can continue working and communities can have social gatherings after sunset.
This year, the IKEA Foundation hopes the Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign will raise even more money so they can help thousands more refugees lead a better everyday life.
