COVID-19: IKEA Grants €26 Million Relief Fund, Quarantine Center in India

FDT Bureau

Amid CODID-19 pandemic, world’s leading furniture company has also come forward to help the mankind. Swedish furniture giant announced, IKEA made an important announcement a grant of 26 million euro to protect the health of local and global communities, its co-workers, suppliers and consumers impacted by the spread of coronavirus in 30 countries including India. IKEA India, which operates its only store in Hyderabad, has helped to set up a quarantine center with 200 beds, bedding and furniture to COVID-19 affected people. 

IKEA Foundation, the firm’s philanthropic arm, has announced its funding commitment to support the emergency response. IKEA India, has in coordination with government authorities set up a quarantine centre at a sports hostel at Gachibowli in Hyderabad along with 200 beds and other basic requirements, said in a statement release by IKEA. 

These are extraordinary times and our absolute priority is ensuring the health and safety of co-workers, customers, suppliers and communities. We do not know when this challenge will be behind us, but by working together we believe we will emerge stronger than ever,” Peter Betzel, CEO, IKEA India, said in a statement. 

This relief fund will focus on providing necessities such as beds, food and toys to hospitals, medical centres and shelters during global crisis of COVID-19, added in statement. 

As per reports, Ingka Group, IKEA’s strategic partner, said “We will take an initial step of supporting emergency relief with 26 million euro of in-kind donations, allowing its 30 countries in which it has operations, to take more immediate action in their local communities.”

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, IKEA, has closed its Hyderabad store on from 20th March 2020 to until further notice. It’s a precautionary measure taken by IKEA to safeguard employees and customers. IKEA opened its state of art store spread over 4 lakh sq ft in Hyderabad on 9th August 2018.