IKEA Canada has announced a partnership with Rainbow Railroad, a global organization aiding LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution.
From June 1 to July 31, IKEA will donate 100% of the sales from its new Rainbow cake to support Rainbow Railroad’s efforts, aiming to help approximately 500 individuals resettle in Canada.
The initiative could raise up to $200,000, according to IKEA Canada. This support will contribute to emergency relocation, crisis response, and other forms of assistance provided by Rainbow Railroad.
“This initiative gives our communities a chance to make a positive impact by donating through the purchase of the Rainbow cake at IKEA, listening to the stories of those being affected, and getting involved in other ways like volunteering with Rainbow Railroad,” said Selwyn Crittendon, IKEA Canada CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer.
Rainbow Railroad operates with the mission of helping LGBTQI+ individuals who face severe threats to their safety and well-being. “Rainbow Railroad’s mission to help individuals who are forced to flee their homes really resonates with IKEA and the work that we do to support refugees and newcomers to Canada,” said John Williams, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Leader at IKEA Canada.
Scott Ferguson, Rainbow Railroad’s Director of Corporate Partnerships, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “Thanks to the leadership of IKEA, this year we will help approximately 500 LGBTQI+ refugees begin new lives in Canada where they can live openly and authentically — more than double the number of people we help bring to Canada in a typical year,” Ferguson stated.
Since 2018, IKEA has recognized May 17th as International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), raising the Pride Progress flag at its store locations across Canada. This marks the beginning of IKEA Canada’s Pride celebrations, which include supporting Pride parades, donating proceeds from the sale of STORSTOMMA bags to LGBTQI+ organizations, and fostering an inclusive work environment through partnerships with organizations like Pride at Work and the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.
IKEA Canada’s ongoing efforts also include creating safe spaces for employees through the Rainbow Connections Co-worker Resource Group. These initiatives are part of IKEA’s broader commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
