Ikea Partners with Furniture Bank on Poverty Initiative

Ikea Canada is collaborating with social enterprise and registered charity Furniture Bank to address furniture poverty and reduce waste in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

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.

At Ikea stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), customers can purchase in-store, near the check-outs, designated items for donation, which have been identified by Furniture Bank as most needed by its low-income clients. All donations are then delivered direct to Furniture Bank.

“We’ve always believed in the power of giving back to communities we serve,” says Helene Loberg, head of sustainability at 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 five GTA Ikea locations — Etobicoke, North York, Vaughan, Toronto Downtown and Scarborough Town Centre. To date, Ikea has donated more than 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 carbon dioxide.

“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 Furniture Bank executive director Dan Kershaw. “Turning empty housing into homes is our top priority, and we’re able to reach so many more families through this partnership.”

From June 17-July 15, Ikea stores in the GTA will set-up displays demonstrating the realities that people living in furniture poverty face.

Furniture and home furnishing accessories donations can be made directly to Furniture Bank, too. Items can be dropped off for free at designated locations or paid pick-up services can be arranged.

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.