IKEA Canada and Furniture Bank Fight Poverty in Greater Toronto

June 18, 2024  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

Furniture poverty refers to the lack of basic home furnishings such as beds, sofas, and tables, which can lead to physical, emotional, and financial consequences for individuals and families. There are hundreds of thousands of people in the GTA alone facing this reality.

At IKEA stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), customers can purchase designated items for donation which have been identified by Furniture Bank as most needed by its clients. All donations will be delivered direct to Furniture Bank to help those who need it most in our community. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

"At IKEA Canada, we've always believed in the power of giving back to communities we serve," says Helene Loberg, head of sustainability, IKEA Canada. "Furniture poverty is a crisis behind closed doors with many individuals and families lacking basic home furnishings to live with dignity.”

“Our expanded partnership with Furniture Bank allows us to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, while also promoting sustainable practices in our community."

What began as a pilot program in 2019 to repurpose returned IKEA mattresses has now flourished into a three-year agreement with Furniture Bank to service all GTA IKEA locations, aiming to significantly alleviate furniture poverty throughout the area. Since 2019, IKEA has donated over 23,400 mattresses to approximately 11,440 families in need.

The reuse of these mattresses has prevented the emission of greenhouse gases equivalent to 1,716 metric tons of CO2. IKEA plans to continue strengthening the capabilities of its partnership with Furniture Bank to improve circularity efforts and meet social needs in an ethical, motivated, responsible, and community-oriented manner.

"We've seen a huge jump in the number of people living in furniture poverty over the last couple of years. We're thrilled to have an opportunity to collaborate with IKEA to get children and families off the floor and sleeping in beds," says Dan Kershaw, Furniture Bank's Executive Director. "Turning empty housing into homes is our top priority, and we're able to reach so many more families through this partnership."

Help bring an end to furniture poverty with IKEA Canada and Furniture Bank

• From June 17 to July 15, IKEA stores in the GTA (Etobicoke, North York, Vaughan, Toronto Downtown and Scarborough Town Centre) will set-up displays demonstrating the realities that people living in furniture poverty face.
• In-store, near the check-outs, IKEA customers can purchase designated items for donation which have been identified by Furniture Bank as most needed by its clients. All donations will be delivered direct to Furniture Bank to help those who need it most in our community.
• Anyone can donate furniture and home furnishing accessories direct to Furniture Bank. Items can be dropped off for free at designated locations or paid pick-up services can be arranged. Visit Furniture Bank's website to learn more.
• Furniture Bank also accepts monetary gifts to help support its Sleep Well Program which aims to provide every child who walks through its doors with the comfort and security of a cozy bed.

Furniture Bank works in partnership with over 150 agencies and shelters to assist marginalized individuals and families who are experiencing furniture poverty. Its partner agencies play a critical role by helping to screen potential furniture recipients. This allows Furniture Bank to focus on its commitment to ensuring those who transition out of homelessness and displacement are given the best possible chance to succeed in life. 

For more information on furniture poverty or to learn more about the IKEA Canada and Furniture Bank partnership, visit IKEA.ca/FurnitureBank.