IKEA Canada co-workers to march in celebration of diversity and inclusion at annual Toronto Pride Parade
IKEA proudly partners with Pride Toronto, supporting diverse festival programming through home furnishings donations
BURLINGTON, ON, June 22, 2018 /CNW/ - This Sunday, 250 IKEA co-workers from across the Greater Toronto Area will march in the 38th annual Toronto Pride Parade, celebrating the history, courage and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Representing the Burlington, Etobicoke, North York and Vaughan stores, as well as IKEA's Toronto Customer Distribution Centre, co-workers will share a message of diversity and inclusion, where everyone has the right to be treated fairly and provided with equal opportunities, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
"We are proud to partner with Pride Toronto, an organization which shares our belief that equality is at the heart of human rights," said Marsha Smith, President, IKEA Canada. "Our co-workers are our greatest ambassadors and their passion for Pride and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace will lead the way as IKEA continues to go all-in on equality."
In addition, IKEA will donate home furnishings to support a variety of spaces throughout the festival footprint including Family Pride, Clean Sober and Proud, Bi Pride, Pride's wellness zone and more.
"We are excited to partner with IKEA Canada for Pride Festival 2018," said Amber Moyle, Director of Development and Special Events, Pride Toronto. "IKEA has demonstrated its commitment to create a work environment where every LGBTQ+ co-worker has the right to be themselves. And their support of Pride this year will enable us to create comfortable spaces for communities across our diverse festival footprint. We look forward to celebrating with IKEA co-workers at the Pride parade."
To mark Pride festivities nationwide, IKEA Canada recently collaborated with 10 drag queens to create runway-ready outfits made out of everyday IKEA products. Entitled DRÄG, the campaign embraces the creativity and openness of drag culture, sharing an overall message of acceptance and individual expression. The one-of-a-kind photoshoot can be seen here: https://youtu.be/xkVRF6wAwIM
The partnership with Pride Toronto supports IKEA in creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where individual differences are celebrated. The retailer also recently marked the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), raising the Pride flag at stores from coast to coast. To further foster inclusivity, IKEA Canada also recently a new partnership with Pride at Work Canada, a network organization whose vision is a nation where LGBT+ people can achieve their full potential at work.
ABOUT IKEA CANADA
IKEA Group is a leading home furnishing retailer with 357 stores in more than 29 countries worldwide, which are visited by 817 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 13 stores, an eCommerce virtual store, six Pick-up and order points and 14 Collection Points. The company has also announced plans to open new stores in Quebec City and London, Ontario. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 28 million visitors to its stores and 95 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. 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 Canada, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.
SOURCE IKEA Canada
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