This 7-Year-Old Malaysian's Doodle Is Now Made Into An IKEA Toy That's Sold Worldwide
The Swedish retailer also introduced 9 other toys created by children all over the world!
By John Lim — 20 Nov 2015, 04:23 PM
For 12 years, IKEA has been running its Soft Toys For Education. The campaign donates 1 EURO (RM4.50) to UNICEF and Save The Children for every soft toy or children's book purchased during the Christmas season.
Every year, the IKEA Foundation donates €1 for every soft toy sold in participating IKEA stores in November and December. The donation goes to Save the Children and UNICEF, and is spent on children’s educational projects.
ikeafoundation.org
Going into its 13th iteration, IKEA is introducing a new line of toys called SAGOSKATT. These toys are not your ordinary plushies as they were designed by children from all over the world.
This year, a new collection of toys designed by kids will help even more children get the quality education they deserve. IKEA Family invited customers’ children to design their dream soft toy. After receiving thousands of wonderful contributions, ten winners were chosen. The winning soft toys in the competition became patterns for the new collection named SAGOSKATT.
ikeafoundation.org
Among this new collection is the masterpiece of Terrence Wan, a 7-year-old Malaysian boy. His creation? A cute, lovable dragon with a toothy smile.
The toy was a figment of Terrence's imagination when he participated in the Global Soft Toys Drawing Competition last year. As one of the top ten characters chose to become patterns for the limited collection. His creation is turned into a fluffy hand puppet and is sold at IKEA stores around the world.
Gerard Jansen, store manager of IKEA Damansara praised Terrence for his contribution and willingness to help children in need
"This year's campaign holds a special place in our hearts. We never though a simple kid"s drawing from Malaysia would have the power to help other children. Terence is an example to all that no matter how small our contribution, anyone - even children - can help make a difference in other's life," said Jansen.
To date, the campaign has donated 77 million Euros (RM352 million) to UNICEF and Save The Children, enabling more than 11 million children in many countries to have education
Since 2003, the Soft Toys for Education campaign has raised nearly €77 million, supported 99 projects in 46 countries and reached more than 11 million children living in poverty, receive a better education. The projects improve education in Asia, Africa, and Central and Europe. With the funding, our partners help schools become more child-friendly with well-trained teachers for all children, girls and boys, including those from ethnic minorities and those with special needs.
ikeafoundation.org