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For more information visit the official SCAW website.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A DONATION THAT WILL BE MADE DIRECTLY TO THE SCAW FOUNDATION.***
What We Do
Sleeping Children Around the World provides SLEEP, JOY, and HOPE to children living in poverty through the gift of a bedkit for a good night’s sleep. Each bedkit is tailored to the unique needs and culture of the country and includes:
- A mat or mattress and bedding
- A mosquito net to combat malaria, Zika, dengue fever, etc.
- School supplies
- Clothing and sometimes footwear
- Reusable face masks for COVID-19 protection
Who We Help
- Children aged 6 to 12: We ensure an equal distribution of 50% girls and 50% boys, representing all ethnicities and religions in the country.
- Countries with less than US $6,000 Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: We focus on countries where children are most in need.
- Locally sourced bedkit contents: To support local economies and ensure cultural relevance.
Our Commitment
- Careful selection: Local partners meet with community leaders to select children who will most benefit from receiving a bedkit.
- Direct impact: We verify that each bedkit reaches a child in need, ensuring that 365% of bedkit donations go directly to the contents.
Why We Do It
Sleeping Children believes every child has the right to a comfortable night’s sleep. A quarter of a billion children aged 6 to 12 live in extreme poverty without basic comforts for sleep. Founder Murray Dryden said, “If a bed can be provided…it helps conserve his or her diminished energy for the day ahead.” Lack of sleep impacts a child’s ability at school and at home. Our goal is to address this need by tailoring our assistance to the specific requirements of each country.
Long-Term Impact
A good night’s sleep leads to energy during the day, success in education, steady employment, and ultimately financial stability. Mosquito nets save lives and reduce suffering from malaria and other diseases, and sourcing bedkit items locally benefits the economy. Volunteers are motivated by the desire to help children and families achieve a better night's sleep and a hopeful future.
Supporting Research
- Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria, with children being among the most vulnerable.
- Studies show that better sleep improves health, school performance, behavior, and stress levels, leading to more life opportunities and better chances of escaping poverty.
History and Values
Sleeping Children Around the World was founded in 1970 by Murray and Margaret Dryden. Since its inception, the organization has raised over CA $52 million and helped over 1.7 million children in need. Our values continue to guide our work today:
- Purpose: Increase the health and well-being of children in impoverished areas.
- Vision: A world where every child wakes up refreshed and energized.
- Mission: Transform the lives of children through a good night’s sleep.
- Passion: Over 2,000 volunteers dedicate their time and energy to our cause.
- Free Will Giving: We rely on loyal donors and do not engage in telemarketing, door-to-door appeals, or mass mailings.
Strategy
Our 5-year Strategic Plan aims to distribute 205,000 bedkits and raise $7.2M in donations. During the pandemic, we continue to distribute bedkits safely through our local Overseas Volunteer Partners. Our strategy includes maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring 365% of bedkit donations go to the children, and sourcing materials locally to support the economy.
Accountability
We ensure that Overseas Volunteer Partners follow our detailed policies, guaranteeing that donor funds are used effectively. Our distribution process includes regular virtual meetings, thorough verification, and remote supervision to maintain our standards and values.
Impact of Bedkits
Our bedkits provide long-term benefits by saving lives with mosquito nets, improving sleep, and enhancing children's health and education. Local sourcing generates economic benefits, and volunteer efforts ensure that donations directly benefit the children.
Recognition
Our work has been recognized by the World Sleep Society, the Canadian Sleep Society, and the American Association of Sleep Medicine. We have also received high ratings from Charity Intelligence and GuideStar.
Testimonials
Volunteers and overseas partners share their experiences and the profound impact of bedkits on children’s lives, highlighting the significance of our mission and the dedication of those involved in our work.
