OTTAWA, May 20, 2015 /CNW/ - For the 18th year in a row, IKEA co-workers will join Tree Canada today to plant and maintain trees and shrubs in local communities surrounding IKEA Canada's 12 stores. This annual "Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree" program restores green spaces using proceeds from Christmas tree sales sold at IKEA during the holiday season.
Since the "Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree" program started in 1997, IKEA co-workers have planted over 27,874 trees and shrubs. 27,874 trees is equal to the emissions of approx. 4645 cars for one year, based on average values in Canada and Tree Canada calculations. Also 27,874 trees is equivalent to approx. 1161 tonnes of standard copier/office paper. These trees have the potential to absorb approximately 4679 tonnes of CO2 over an 80-year period.
"At IKEA, it is our ambition to have a positive impact on the communities where we do business," says Stefan Sjostrand, President, IKEA Canada. " I am proud that our co-workers share our commitment and that each year they support our partnership with Tree Canada by volunteering to plant trees in their communities. It is through this kind of employee engagement that IKEA Canada will realize our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people."
The 27,874 trees IKEA co-workers have planted nation-wide provide many benefits to communities, such as noise reduction, cleaner air, erosion control, wetland protection, habitat, wildlife and biodiversity creation and restoration, beautification, and shaded play areas. The trees planted are larger, urban trees that are going to restore the urban canopies a short distance from the IKEA stores
"Tree Canada and IKEA have enjoyed a special relationship for over 18 years," says Tree Canada President Michael Rosen. "Together we have worked hard to meet sustainability goals in communities throughout Canada and have made profound and lasting change through tree planting initiatives with IKEA employees and community groups. IKEA has planted over 27,874 trees and shrubs to date in urban areas and we continue to look forward to future projects with this great company."
About IKEA
IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 325 stores in 40 countries worldwide, which are visited by 734 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the IKEA.com websites attracted 904 million visitors. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.
About Tree Canada
Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. To date, nearly 80 million trees have been planted, over 550 schoolyards have been greened, and Tree Canada has helped organize eleven national urban forest conferences. The next Canadian Urban Forest Conference will take place in Laval, QC in 2016. More information about Tree Canada is available at www.treecanada.ca.
SOURCE Tree Canada
Image with caption: "IKEA employees participate in 18th annual “Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree” event with Tree Canada (CNW Group/Tree Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150520_C6589_PHOTO_EN_16809.jpg
Richard Walker, Director of Communications - Tree Canada, 6135675545 ext 224
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