By children, for children – and in aid of children.
Today, IKEA launches a brand new soft toy collection – designed by children, for children and all in aid of Barnardos.
The limited-edition Sagoskatt collection was born after children across the world submitted their designs through IKEA’s international drawing competition.
And the results are nothing short of adorable.
“I’ve drawn a llama, an animal that I like. I told my soft toy to always be with you and keep you company. Give Llama a lot of love because it’s special.”
“It’s the beautiful planet we live on and I dream that one day I can rollerblade to every corner of the Earth. There is only one planet, so we must take good care of it.”
“My Halloween-themed terrifying car likes to lie under my bed and scare intruders away. You can have fun too when you see how my car frightens the enemies.”
“I love candy and my soft toy also eats loads of candy. She’s lucky since she can travel and make other children happy. Please hug her a lot.”
All the soft toys retail at €5, and the full price of each toy goes to Barnardos Ireland, helping a charity that protects, supports and nurtures Ireland’s most vulnerable children.
The best of children’s imagination
Over 71,000 children worldwide, aged under 12, took part in IKEA’s international drawing competition, now in its sixth year. Children submit their best artwork of imaginary characters, to be in with a chance of having their designs realised and sold by Ikea for other children to enjoy.
The six winning children’s sketches were turned over to a team of expert designers to produce the playful, colourful Sagoskatt range, which will be available to buy in stores until February 2021.
“We’ve been working with the children’s charity Barnardos for over three years and during this time. Last year we raised nearly €50,000 from the collection in the UK and Ireland to support their vital services,” said Nina Hughes, Range and Product Design Manager Children’s IKEA.
“IKEA believes that every child has a right to play and to develop in a safe, secure environment, yet millions of children across the world are denied this fundamental right. Through the affordable SAGOSKATT range, IKEA hopes to make play more accessible. And with the full price of each toy going to Barnardos Ireland, this is the perfect gift with a conscience this Christmas,” she added.
Helping vulnerable families
The partnership between IKEA and Barnardos Ireland brings together IKEA’s expertise in life at home and Barnardos’ knowledge of children and young people, with the ambition of having a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in society.
“The impact of Covid-19 and the economic downturn has hit vulnerable families the hardest, with many of the children and families we work with having limited resources and really struggling,” said Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos.
“The support of partners like IKEA and the generosity of the Irish public helps us raise vital funds to reach and support Ireland’s most vulnerable children. As Christmas approaches, we’d ask everyone to consider the SAGOSKATT toy collection as a Christmas gift, and help us provide vital services to over 21,000 families and children in Ireland, who need us most now, during these uncertain times,” she added.
