Sleep in heavenly peace: group providing beds for in need kids

There are over 13,000 kids in Winnipeg that don't have a bed to sleep on and one group is hoping to put a dent in those numbers, beginning this week.

Over 20 volunteers will be building six beds and collecting donations for Winnipeg’s children in need, as part of the volunteer-driven charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) Winnipeg’s first Build Day and Drive-By Donation Drop-Off.

On Saturday, July 11, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 74 Myrtle Street, SHP Winnipeg’s Build Day will see volunteers set up at various stations helping to cut, sand, drill, stain and brand pieces of lumber required for the beds, while other volunteers will be on-site leading the Drive-By Donation Drop-Off – collecting donations from the public.

“In Winnipeg, it's estimated that 13,000 of our children sleep on the floor - without a proper bed,” says Chapter President, Jim Thiessen.

“Saturday’s Build Day is made possible by Lowes Canada (Panet Road) for their donation of lumber and supplies, and The Dufresne Group for the donation of twin mattresses. With the help of volunteers, donors, and our partner organizations in the community, we are on a mission to ensure no child sleeps on the floor in our city, and this week’s build and donation drive is just the beginning.”

Due to the increased need for beds, in Winnipeg, especially during the COVID -19 pandemic, SHP Winnipeg is seeking donations from the public in the form of new twin bedding/bed-in-a-bag, new pillows, new twin mattresses, lumber, supplies, cash or cheque for future builds. All donations will receive a charitable donation receipt.

Though volunteers are not needed for Saturday’s Build Day, SHP Winnipeg is welcoming the public to come by drop off a donation and learn about SHP Winnipeg’s mission and how to participate in future builds. Physical distancing measures will be in place.

Established in January 2020, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Winnipeg is a non-profit charity made up of a group of volunteers dedicated to building and delivering handmade beds, new mattresses, and bedding to local children.