IKEA Foundation gives over €3 million to help families after Nepal earthquake

This weekend, thousands of children in Nepal lost everything in a heartbeat—their families, friends, homes, schools and security.

The IKEA Foundation has given UNICEF €3 million and Save the Children €100,000 to help children survive the aftermath of Nepal’s deadliest earthquake in 80 years.

According to the latest reports, nearly 5,000 people have been killed by the earthquake, but that number is expected to rise. At least 940,000 children living in the worst affected areas urgently need humanitarian aid.

Providing emergency aid

Heavy rain is now also making conditions worse. Children are particularly vulnerable, as limited access to safe water and sanitation will put them at great risk from waterborne diseases.

Among many other things, UNICEF is working with the government and partners to provide clean water, toilet facilities that are safe and culturally appropriate for women and children, temporary shelters and hospital tents, zinc and oral rehydration salts to treat life-threatening diarrhoea, and therapeutic food for severely malnourished children.

Protecting children

During emergencies, child protection risks increase significantly. Children may witness destruction and see severely injured people or dead bodies. Many will also have to cope with the terror of becoming suddenly orphaned or losing friends and family. Save the Children will establish psychosocial support for children and work with the government to help reunite children with their families.

Save the Children will also use the funds to provide shelter, blankets, cooking supplies, hygiene kits, sanitation materials and clean water. The organisation will create temporary schools or learning spaces, and will support teachers and students.

At the IKEA Foundation, we believe every child has the right to a safe place to call home. That’s why we support Save the Children and UNICEF’s humanitarian relief work, enabling them to quickly and efficiently help children whose communities are struck by disasters or conflict.