IKEA campaign to brighten the lives of refugees in UN camps

Home furnishing retailer IKEA has launched its 'Brighter Lives for Refugees' campaign to raise funds for refugee camps run by the United Nations.

For every LEDARE light bulb sold from now till March 29, 2014, the IKEA Foundation will donate €1 (S$1.75) to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide sustainable lighting to refugee camps across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Furthermore, as a part of their sustainability efforts, IKEA aims to sell only LED light bulbs in its stores by 2016.

In conjunction with this campaign, IKEA Singapore will be offering a $2 discount off all light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs sold at IKEA Tampines and IKEA Alexandra. Both stores will also be setting up light recycling bins so as to promote the responsible disposal of old light bulbs.

Funds raised from the sale of LED light bulbs will be used to provide solar-powered streetlights as well as solar lanterns to refugee camps. These light sources will contribute to safer streets at night and allow for children and refugees to study and work even after dark. In doing so, this initiative aims to improve the supply of electricity and renewable energy in addition to supporting primary education in refugee camps.

jthe@sph.com.sg