The Kosovo connection

When IKEA Canada announced the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the great work being done by the IKEA Foundation and our partners like UNICEF and Save the Children, I immediately envisioned myself taking part in it and contributing to this great cause. After two years of applying to this program, I was privileged to be chosen and given this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to being your eyes on the ground and connecting with you all through my blogs.

I feel strongly that as individuals we play a significant role in shaping the kinds of societies and environments we want to live in. We can only do so by being an integral part of this process on all levels in life: personal and work. This brings it full circle for me on a personal level because not only am I actively involved in my community, but I can now say that I can be that change factor at work as well. I can make the connection and raise awareness that as IKEA co-workers we are making a difference around the world through the Soft Toys for Education campaign by providing equal, quality education for children, and we all can be very proud of this.

I cannot express the excitement that is building within me surrounding this trip to Kosovo. When I first found out, I shared it with my immediate co-workers in the Accounting Department and eventually the communication was shared throughout Canada. All the positive feedback, encouragement and congratulatory expressions has energized me even more, and I accept the responsibility of being their eyes and ears in Kosovo.