IKEA is announcing the launch of its annual seasonal initiative Soft Toys for Education aimed to raise funds to provide children in developing regions with an access to quality education. As part of this international effort, the company donates one euro from each IKEA soft toy purchased during the two-month period, through January 4, to UNICEF and Save the Children.

The French jewelry label Van Cleef & Arpels adds an audio dimension to its museum exhibition “A Quest for Beauty: The Art of Van Cleef & Arpels,” now open at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA. The brand has released an iPhone and Android app, “A Quest for Beauty,” as a curated tour that allows to browse through 31 from over 200 items on display—to enhance the experience, the designs’ descriptions are delivered in an audio format. 

The apparel, footwear & accessories brand TOMS, known for its “One for One” charitable scheme, launches a new online store that sells not only the label’s own products, but goods from other ethical companies as well. With TOMS Marketplace running on toms.com, the brand drives its philanthropic commitment further by lending its platform to more social entrepreneurs.

Marks & Spencer has brought together legendary children’s stories in its latest Christmas TV ad starring a roster of celebrities. The commercial with an orchestral soundtrack features Rosie Huntington-Whitely, David Gandy and Helena Bonham-Carter who present M&S goods—the apparel, accessories and food—in iconic scenes from Alice in Wonderland, Red Riding Hood, Aladdin and The Wizard of Oz.

Google is offering a whole new way to fix real-life problems—now users are prompted not just to “google it” to find some information on the issue, but can also get a “personalized” video advice from real people. The tech powerhouse is launching Helpouts, an online service that connects people who seek help with those who can provide the required guidance though paid or free online meet-ups. The service is offered in eight categories, from Art&Music and Cooking to Fitness&Nutrition and Health.

Chevrolet is encouraging aspiring filmmakers to become one step closer to the Academy Awards. The auto giant is calling the international filmmaking community to create an advert that will be aired during the Oscars broadcast on March 2. Though it’s not a direct way to the nominations, it’s an excellent start for those who want to get their names heard in the filmmaking industry.

Google is opening up new opportunities for teachers and students across the globe with its latest educational initiative, Connected Classrooms. Rolled out on the Google+ platform, the new online service allows students to virtually explore various places of interest far away from their physical locations—like famous zoos, aquariums, planetariums, museums and more at no cost.

Johnnie Walker is releasing a film, “Celebrating a Journey Shared,” that celebrates craftsmanship, friendship and passion for discoveries. The footage that tells a story of two travellers is a cinematic dedication to the British luxury brand Dunhill with which a new collaborative whisky gift set was created—the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Limited Edition Collection.