Ikea Canada Allies with Rainbow Railroad Again

Ikea Canada has renewed its partnership with Rainbow Railroad to support at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals for a second year.

In 2025, the home furnishings retailer will donate up to $200,000 from the proceeds of its rainbow cake, available in stores nationwide from June 1-July 31. Every purchase of the colourful dessert directly supports Rainbow Railroad’s life-saving efforts, helping approximately 300 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety and resettle in Canada — more than twice the number typically supported in a single year.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Ikea Canada during this Pride season,” says Scott Ferguson, director of corporate partnerships at Rainbow Railroad. “Thanks to the leadership of Ikea and the generosity of Canadians, we are helping more LGBTQI+ individuals than ever before escape dangerous situations and begin new lives where they can live freely and authentically.”

In addition to this purpose-driven campaign, Ikea Canada will sponsor and participate in Pride parades in cities across the country; partner with Pride at Work Canada and the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion to foster inclusion and intersectional education in the workplace; and donate $40,000 to local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations within the communities in which Ikea serves, among other supportive initiatives.

“Our vision at Ikea is to create a better everyday life for the many people — a vision that holds even greater significance today,” says Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and chief strategy officer at IKEA Canada. “The rainbow cake initiative reflects our belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and truly at home in every aspect of their lives. Pride is not just a moment; it’s a movement, and we’re proud to stand as allies every day of the year.”

Through its alliance with Rainbow Railroad and others, Ikea Canada continues to be a vocal advocate for those facing persecution for simply being who they are. More than 70 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships and in many, LGBTQI+ people are targets of violence and exclusion at home, at work and in their communities.