Over 70 children and youth wait for beds as winter arrives

This Christmas there are 79 children and youth in Calgary who are each waiting to receive a free single bed from NeighbourLink.

Mattress Mattress Inc. made a generous donation of 70 brand new mattresses toward NeighbourLink’s wait-list last month. Since then, 9 clients have been added to that list. Nine more mattresses, 79 single box springs and 79 single bed frames (new or gently-used) must be donated to make these beds complete before they can be distributed to those in need.

“When talking to clients about the most important furniture item they need, we hear time and time again, ‘A bed for my child,’” says Nikki Golnik, NeighbourLink warehouse manager.

NeighbourLink Warehouse Manager Nikki Golnik
hauls one of 70 single mattresses donated by
Mattress Mattress into the warehouse. Once a
single box spring and bed frame are donated, it will be
 delivered to the home of a youth on our wait-list.

“In the past, we’ve had to give out mattresses without box springs or bed frames, but the comfort level and the spirit of these children is still only a few inches up off the floor,” she continues.

“A mattress on the floor is definitely a step up, but there is just something to say about a complete bed.  Mattresses were designed to have something under them and it prolongs the life of the mattress when used properly.”

After posting announcements at the two Calgary Mattress Mattress locations, Vice President Lori Fecho was pleased to find customers donating cash to the cause.

“It seems unsettling that in a city like Calgary so many children are sleeping on the floor,” says Fecho.

“There are so many luxuries we take for granted every day, yet there are children without the simple necessity of a mattress to sleep on.”

All of the single beds NeighbourLink distributes go to clients under 18 years of age, and Golnik says she’s seen the delight and excitement of children when their beds are delivered to them.

“A child who has a good night sleep can learn better in school, which can open up so many opportunities later on in life,” says Golnik.

“A bed equals a good night sleep, equals better opportunities, equals breaking the cycle of poverty in families.”

If you can help by donating a single mattress, box spring or bed frame, or by making a financial gift, please phone LeeAnne Alexander, NeighbourLink’s chief operating officer, at 403-538-7314.