HLM -Chapter 1401 Joint Charity Event

Over the next few days, the treehouse still needed finishing touches—wiring, furniture, and other final work. After work every day, Wang Bo would come back to busy himself with these tasks.

Passing by the castle on the way, he could also check on the progress of its renovation. Compared to the increasingly modern and luxurious castle, the treehouse was far more popular.

The news that Dale had moved into the treehouse caused a whirlwind at school. After classes, a group of children would rush over every day.

Eva had stocked the treehouse with drinks, fruits, and snacks. Once the electricity was connected, they installed a TV and a game console, turning the treehouse into a paradise for the kids.

Wang Bo had to reinforce the foundation once again and limit the number of people allowed in the treehouse—no more than twenty at a time, and no crowding in a single area.

Just as he finished working on one room, another project came to the town.

At the end of early April, a company’s New Zealand manager arrived in Sunset Town.

When Wang Bo entered his office, someone stopped him and said, “Hello, Mayor Wang. Do you have a moment to talk?”

He turned around and saw two middle-aged white women smiling at him. Friendly, he nodded and said, “Hello to both of you. May I ask what this is regarding?”

One of them, wearing glasses, smiled and said, “Mr. Mayor, I’m Rosemary, manager of IKEA New Zealand. This is our creative director, Ms. Nanasha. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Hearing they were from IKEA, Wang Bo shook her hand and said, “It’s a pleasure. Please come to my office; I think we can have some coffee and talk slowly.”

IKEA is a major company in New Zealand, founded in Sweden in 1943. Today, it is the world’s largest furniture and home goods retailer, with about 10,000 products covering chairs/sofas, office supplies, bedroom sets, kitchen sets, lighting, textiles, cookware, storage solutions, and children’s products.

Wood is the main raw material for furniture, and New Zealand can supply a large amount of high-quality timber, which is why IKEA has an important procurement and production base here.

Wang Bo wasn’t sure why the manager had come to see him. If it was to set up a factory, he would be more than happy to support it. Furniture manufacturing is a green industry and can create many jobs—very popular in New Zealand.

But that wasn’t the purpose of their visit. Once seated, Rosemary first complimented his coffee and then said, “We came mainly for two things. First, we’d like to set up an advertising area in Sunset Town, as our brand wants to enter your mall.”

Wang Bo nodded. “That’s possible, but I’m not in charge of that. I’ll introduce you to the person who is, so you can discuss the details with them.”

Rosemary continued, “The other matter is that IKEA is preparing a global initiative targeting refugee living conditions. All countries where our company operates will participate, and we’d like to hold New Zealand’s event in Sunset Town.”

Wang Bo asked, “What kind of event exactly?”

“We want to take concrete actions to support and help refugees suffering from war. War leaves them homeless, displaced, and forced to face harsh realities with no choice.”

“I see—it’s a charity event?”

Rosemary nodded. “Yes. Our initiative is in partnership with the New Zealand Red Cross. We plan to replicate a refugee shelter here in Sunset Town, fully reconstructed, and aim to raise donations from visitors.”

Wang Bo understood why they chose his town—Sunset Town has a lot of foot traffic, and many visitors are tourists, so hosting a display there could have more impact than in Wellington or Auckland.

After considering, he said, “I think that’s perfectly fine. I’d be happy to help these refugees. Our Salvation Army might also be able to assist.”

Rosemary thanked him and showed him photos, explaining the specifications and style of the refugee shelter they intended to build.

The first photo showed a very simple, rundown brick structure. The second showed a neat, prefabricated building.

Curious, he asked, “What’s the story with this prefab building?”

Rosemary explained, “Many refugee camp dwellings are simply tents made of canvas and ropes, lasting no more than six months, with very poor sanitation and widespread disease.”

Wang Bo nodded. “Yes, I know. I’ve seen the news—some people don’t even have a single tent and have to crowd together.”

Rosemary smiled wryly. “Imagine enduring the seasons with nothing but a flimsy tent—no doors or windows, no heat resistance, no cold protection. Children growing up in refugee camps never have a true home. They lack privacy and dignity.”

“So, the IKEA Foundation, together with the UN Refugee Agency, established the ‘BetterShelter’ project—a temporary refuge specifically designed for refugees.”

Like the Salvation Army, the IKEA Foundation is a well-known global charity. Founded in 1982 in the Netherlands by IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, it provides shelter annually for many underdeveloped and conflict-affected regions.

Rosemary said, “The donations raised by this event will mainly go to providing food, clean water, and these shelters for refugees. I know you might think IKEA wants to profit from this.”

“Actually, that’s not the case. Each shelter costs about $4,500. IKEA will cover half, and the rest comes from donations.”

Wang Bo said, “I understand. You don’t need to explain—no one doubts the IKEA Foundation. Over the past thirty years, you’ve helped many families in need.”

Some shelters for the homeless in New Zealand are also built by IKEA.

Wang Bo was particularly interested in these shelters. From the photos, they were lightweight, with reflective material on the roof—looking like solar panels.

When he asked, Rosemary said, “Yes, those are solar panels. So, as long as there’s sunlight, refugees can have hot showers, electric lights, and even watch TV if the power is sufficient.”

Wang Bo asked, “What’s the expected lifespan of these shelters?”

“About three years. The advantage isn’t longevity—it’s heat resistance, light materials, portability, easy assembly and transport, and most importantly, stability and safety,” Rosemary replied.

Wang Bo nodded thoughtfully. “Very good. I’d like to learn more about these shelters.”