PR Fresh Hits: June 16, 2021

IKEA creates refugee employment program in hopes to hire 150 in Canada

Everyone’s favourite Swedish furniture company is making a meaningful move into diversity with the launch of a national Refugee Skills for Employment program. In partnership with ACCES, IKEA is creating multiple pathways - everything from virtual customer service training, paid work placements, one-on-one culture and language coaching, and even mentoring from IKEA Canada leaders.

They hope to hire 150 refugees within three years so globally IKEA can help 2,500 refugees find meaningful employment by 2022.

McCain Foods steps up to limit global warming to 1.5°C

McCain Foods, an international brand known for its frozen food, has been verified by Science-Based Targets for its commitment to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade. This goal is in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming to 1.5°C.

The Science Based Targets initiative is an international collaboration that helps companies set emissions reduction targets in line with what the latest climate science says is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

As part of its carbon-reduction initiative, McCain Foods will be implementing the following:

• Moving to 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
• Building renewable generation capacity at its processing plants.
• Phasing out the use of coal in all operations, including China where the recent phase out reduces McCain's annual carbon emission by 21,000 tonnes annually.
• Further reducing reliance on fossil fuels through electrification and alternative fuels.
• Continuing to drive energy efficiency improvements across its global facilities
• Ensuring 100% of packaging will be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.

This announcement comes as G7 nations have pledged to step up on climate change actions and renew their commitment to helping other countries cut their emissions under a global effort.

Kraft Heinz Canada partners with Hockey Diversity Alliance to eradicate systemic racism in hockey

Kraft Heinz Canada is strengthening its support for community hockey through its latest partnership with Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA). As a foundational partner of the HDA, Kraft Heinz Canada will support the eradication of systemic racism in hockey through grassroots programming designed to diminish barriers and encourage participation in one of Canada’s national sports.

Formed by NHL players of colour, HDA was established in the wake of the death of George Floyd in 2020. Since then, it has been working to grow the game and provide education on the eradication of systemic racism and increase the share of BIPOC playing at all levels of hockey in the country.

Over the next four years, Kraft Heinz Canada will commit to $1 million by donating ball hockey equipment to underrepresented communities, making sports more accessible for everyone.

For more information on the Hockey Diversity Alliance, and to donate to their cause, please visit hockeydiversityalliance.org.

Written by Crystal Kwon, principal at front+centre - a PR firm for challenger brands. If you want your work featured, email hi@frontandcentre.co.