IKEA GIFTS $20,000 DONATION TO THE YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY CHILDCARE PROGRAM

North Texas IKEA stores team up to create a lasting impact for families of medical personnel, essential employees and first responders.

May 20, 2020 DFW Texas: IKEA locations in Frisco and Grand Prairie teamed up to provide $20,000 in play essentials for North Texas children enrolled in the YMCA’s COVID-19 Emergency Child Care Services program. With COVID-19-related school closures and the urgency for essential workers to report to work, there was a critical need for safe childcare options. In response, in March the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas began offering free emergency childcare at select branches. Today, emergency childcare is provided at six locations across North Texas for families of first responders, healthcare and hospital workers, government officials, grocery workers and others who must continue to work during this challenging time. These sites and additional sites will be added to support off-site summer programming.

IKEA’s donation will contain items such as play mats, toy trains, dollhouses, toy storage and art essentials that are easily sanitized to fuel children’s creativity, learning and fun. "IKEA is committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people. It's our belief that this commitment shouldn't only be demonstrated in the products we provide, but also by making direct contributions to the communities in which we operate. We’re happy to be able to make this kind of impact in the lives of children,” said Regional Market Manager Derrick Liburd.

“We are very grateful to IKEA for their generosity and partnership,” said Suzana Delgado-Gray, Executive Director & VP of Operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “The items IKEA has gifted our Y’s offering free emergency childcare for those on the frontlines in our communities will go a long way in creating a safe, fun and meaningful experience for the children entrusted in our care."

This North Texas initiative is part of a more than $1.6 million nationwide donation that IKEA Retail U.S. has announced (see press release). Organizations in need of IKEA products and supplies can reach out through their local store’s information page at www.ikea.com to complete a donation request form. To learn more about the YMCA’s COVID-19 Emergency Child Care services, visit www.ymcadallas.org/EmergencyYMCAChildCare.

About the Ingka Group

Ingka Group (Ingka Holding B.V. and its controlled entities) is one of 11 different groups of companies that own and operate IKEA retail under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Ingka Group has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centers. Ingka Group is a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise system, operating more than 370 IKEA stores in 30 countries – including the IKEA Planning Studio and 50 stores in the U.S. Ingka Group operates business under the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional and affordable home furnishing products. For more information on IKEA in the U.S, see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.