Life

Chance for local children to design next collection of toys that give back

Nugget the red monster designed by five year old Chutriada from Thailand is one of the new SAGOSKATT toys available in IKEA
Nugget the red monster designed by five year old Chutriada from Thailand is one of the new SAGOSKATT toys available in IKEA Nugget the red monster designed by five year old Chutriada from Thailand is one of the new SAGOSKATT toys available in IKEA

IKEA Belfast are asking local children to unleash imagination to help others play around the world.

This month sees 10 new soft toys go on sale as part of the company's Let’s Play for Change’ Campaign.

The 10 SAGOSKATT toys, are made up of everything from a red monster to a horsaurus, were designed by children across the world aged between five and nine years old.

And now, children in Northern Ireland can unleash their creative imagination and try their hand at designing the 2017 collection during the store’s drawing competition, running in store until November 27.

Proceeds from sales of these new children’s cuddly toys will help run projects projects in some of the poorest communities in the world, supporting children’s development and learning, equal participation, sports and play in countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Christie Gregg, store manager at IKEA Belfast recently witnessed at first hand some of the projects funded by IKEA Foundation is helping bring smiles to some of these families, when he visited Rwanda with UNICEF.

"I have worked for IKEA for almost 10 years now, and I knew we did amazing things with our charity partners around the world, but seeing it with my own eyes this year has been an incredible and humbling experience.

"The simple act of playing is something we often take for granted with our children here, so it is vital we are able to provide safe spaces for children in vulnerable cities and countries to play, and grow from play," said Christie.

Locally, IKEA Belfast will also donate toys to The Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

:: For further information visit ikeafoundation.org, and visit ikea.co.uk/belfast.