A peaceful night's sleep is something every child should take for granted. But for many children in the developing world this isn't the case. That's where Sleeping Children Around the World comes in, they aim to change that. As the recipient of The Raymond James Ltd. Annual Holiday Card donation last year, now we too, are a part of that change.
The Canadian-based charity provides bed kits to needy children in developing countries. Each kit is made up of necessities such as a mattress, pillow, sheets, blanket, mosquito net and clothes. Basics items that mean so much to a child in need.Sleeping Children Around the World is not only supported by Raymond James Ltd. but on a more personal level by our Vancouver-based Financial Advisor, Warren Wagstaff.
For almost 20 years Warren has supported SCAW by making Christmas donations on his clients' behalf. Last month Warren travelled to Kolkata, India to continue his work as a volunteer. "This was my fifth trip as a SCAW ambassador, this time I was travelling as a team leader which entailed a new level of responsibility."
In Kolkata, Warren helped distribute 6,500 kits containing 19 items intended to provide each child with a safe and peaceful night's sleep.
"Receiving the $10,000 donation from Raymond James was great, I was able to explain to the children who we were and why we gave the bed kits, it was a wonderful way to connect with the children," says Warren. "The city left a lasting impression on me. The people were open, warm and friendly - willing to share their culture and hospitality with us."
Kolkata Bedkit Contents
| 1. | Ground mat | 11. | Sheet |
| 2. | Mattress | 12. | Mosquito net |
| 3. | Umbrella | 13. | Tin plate |
| 4. | Flip flops | 14. | Tiffin (lunch box) |
| 5. | Boys: 2 shirts, 2 pair shorts Girls: 2 dresses and underpants | 15. | Water bottle |
| 6. | Backpack | 16. | Jacket |
| 7. | 2 school books | 17. | Ruler/Eraser/Pencil |
| 8. | Dictionary | 18. | Blanket |
| 9. | Pillow | 19. | Towel |
| 10. | Pillow case |
To read Warren's report on Kolkata visit; http://www.scaw.org/reports/kolkata/kolk11-01.html
