The Orangeville Campus Team took on a challenge over the weeks leading up to Easter that resulted in five “bed kits” for Sleeping Children Around the World.

Starting in March, the staff at 22 Centennial Rd. and 51 Townline divided into two teams and started gathering pennies. The goal was to compete and see which team could gather the most pennies over six weeks and bring them to the staff meeting on April 7.

The winners were children in Third and Fourth World Countries who receive the bed kits. The total number of pennies gathered was 17,500 and five bed kits were purchased with the pennies.

“Why pennies? Some see pennies as insignificant – we throw them in a jar, and sometimes don’t wait if we are only getting pennies back in change, but these pennies, in six short weeks, will provide bed kits for five children that would otherwise sleep on the bare ground,” explained Dave Forbes, Campus Manager. “The Orangeville Team is an amazing group and steps up to any challenge when it comes to helping others!”

Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) donations provide bed kits to children of any race and/or religion who will benefit the most; typically being located in underdeveloped and developing countries. No portion of a bed kit donation is spent on administration – 100 per cent reaches a needy child.

Each $35 donation (Canadian funds) provides a bed kit  consisting of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies.

Bed kit contents vary from country to country depending upon local needs. Since its founding by Murray and Margaret Dryden in 1970, SCAW has raised over $20 million to provide bed kits for over 900,000 children in 33 countries. In 2009, the organization will reach its millionth child.