We did it!

Älmhult Fights Cancer – together we raised 132 000 SEK to vital cancer research. 

The green shirts were shining as bright as the sun on 6 May, when 721 people had signed up to run, or walk, together in Älmhult to raise money for cancer research. The fight against cancer is something that affects many people, everywhere in society. The Älmhult Fights Cancer charity race brought together people from all around Älmhult, as well as many parts of south of Sweden, to do good together.  

The charity race was arranged by IKEA Älmhult AB, on behalf of the IKEA companies in Älmhult, together with Elmhults Sport Club. With the purpose to inspire more people to live a healthy and active lifestyle, and at the same time, raise money for vital cancer research. 

“We are of course very happy and humbled of how well the event turned out. It really felt like the whole community of Älmhult was on its feet this day. In total we have so far raised 132 000 SEK for the continued fight against cancer, where every penny makes a difference. We have received a lot of love and we would like to extend a big Thank You to everyone who contributed and made this happen. To all the participants, all our volunteers who did a great job during the day and everyone who gave happy cheers all along the course. Now we will evaluate and hopefully this will become a recurring tradition.” Mattias Lindqvist, responsible for Society Relations at IKEA Älmhult AB.

Mattias Lindqvist, responsible for Society Relations at IKEA Älmhult AB.

Following in familiar footsteps  
Älmhult Fights Cancer was inspired by the well-known initiative IKEA Fights Cancer founded in 2018 by Ulf Johansson, Design Engineer at IKEA of Sweden. Following his cancer diagnosis in 2012, Johansson wanted to turn his diagnosis into a positive action, so he challenged himself and his colleagues to take part in the half-marathon in Gothenburg. With Älmhult Fights Cancer, the initiative was turned into a local community effort, gathering people in and around Älmhult, to join the fight against cancer. 

“I am very pleased with the day, it was very fun to follow the 5km long green snake-looking trail of runners that wiggled it’s way along the course, which I thought was very well laid out. It gave such a good feeling of togetherness, with many familiar faces and cheering each other on. It was also an easy course which was positive. Although a bit windy, the weather, which we cannot choose, was in our favor, which is important for everyone to feel the joy of the event and be positive for next year if there is a continuation. What I think is one of the most important things when organizing these events is that it should be easy for the participant to participate with good instructions and good commitment from organizers and officials all around and that feeling was very good.” Ulf Johansson, IKEA of Sweden, project team member. 

Ulf Johansson, IKEA of Sweden, project team member. Photo: Henrik Palmberg 

Running for a good cause 
The 132 000 SEK will be donated to the Mrs. Berta Kamprad Cancer Foundation. Founded in 1986 by IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad – named after his mother who died of cancer at 53-years-old – the Mrs. Berta Kamprad Cancer Foundation supports the research and treatment of cancer, preferably by supporting the cancer research conducted at Skåne University Hospital, Lund.

IKEA in Älmhult now – 2030 
Älmhult is the heart of IKEA. This is where we have our roots and where people from all over the world gather around our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA Älmhult AB has the role to strengthen IKEA in Älmhult to be an even more attractive place to work at, live in and visit, guided by the IKEA in Älmhult now –2030 plan. Älmhult Fights Cancer is one example of a project within this plan and the connected development area of Health & Wellbeing. For IKEA co-workers, read more about IKEA in Älmhult now – 2030, here! 

Photos: Henrik Palmberg