As posted by the Toronto Star, November 23, 2014.
By Katelyn Verstraten, Staff Reporter, Special to the Star
Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) was founded in 1970 by Murray and Margaret Dryden, parents of hockey goalies Ken and Dave Dryden. The Drydens dreamed of a world where every child benefits from a good night’s sleep, and decided to donate 50 “bed kits” to children living in poverty in India.
Forty-four years later, the charity has donated more than 1.3 million kits to children around the world. This year, around 58,000 will be distributed, according to Dave Dryden, chair of the SCAW board.
“Because my mom and dad grew up in the Depression, they really valued getting a good night’s sleep — otherwise you were useless the next day,” said Dryden, laughing. “And it’s true. Our goal with the children is to provide a sense of joy, a good night’s sleep, and hope for the next day.”
Where your money goes
SCAW distributes bed kits in nine countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Uganda, and Honduras. The kits differ depending on climate and culture, but typically include a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, clothing, and school supplies.
“If we talk to the parents and kids, the big thing from their perspective is education,” said Dave. “That’s what they figure is the way to get out of the poverty trap. Hope is a big part of this.”
The charity works with overseas partner organizations, says Dave, and all bed-kit items are made or purchased within the country of distribution. SCAW volunteers travel to the country — paying their own expenses — to help with distribution. A photo is taken of each child with the bed kit, and sent to the Canadian donor.
All administrative costs come out of the SCAW legacy fund created by the Dryden parents. When people donate, said Dave, 100 per cent of the money goes into the bed kits.
