Making a difference

Click photos to see larger version

As published in the Stratford Beacon Herald February 1, 2010


Sleeping Children Around the World: Dave Dryden thanks Knox congregation.

by Dan Schwab

Former NHLer Dave Dryden recalls that when he was growing up his father was adamant that his two sons get enough sleep every night.

"He would always say, 'Dave, have you got a game tomorrow? Get a good night's sleep. Ken, got an exam tomorrow? Get a good night's sleep,'" says Dryden, who is the brother of Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.

"He used to drive us crazy," Dryden says. "But as we grew older, we appreciated the fact that sleep is huge in a child's life. Physically, mentally, to be ready to face challenges, you need to be rested."

Dryden, a former goaltender with the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres, spread his father's message about the importance of children getting enough sleep during an address to the congregation at Knox Presbyterian Church Jan. 31.

Dryden's father Murray founded the Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) organization in 1970, when he gave out 50 bed kits to needy children in India. Since then, SCAW has sent more than one million bed kits to children in 34 countries.

A donation of $35 covers the cost of a bed kit, which includes a mattress, bed sheet, blanket, pillow, mosquito net, pyjamas and school supplies.

Knox Presbyterian Church began its relationship with SCAW when Murray first made a request for donations there in 1990. Last year, the church donated $2,500 to the organization. On Sunday, they presented Dryden with a cheque for $700.

"Twenty years ago my dad was standing right here speaking to you," Dryden said from the podium at the front of the church, as some of the children of the congregation laid face down in the middle of the aisles pretending to sleep, raising awareness about how alarming it can be to see a child trying to sleep without a bed.

"It's such a great feeling to feel the passion in this sanctuary from all the efforts of the people in Stratford who have put this on," Dryden said.

Dryden noted that while SCAW is working to help children around the world, they currently are not able to send donations to victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

"We have been to Haiti before. In the early 1980s we distributed bed kits there," Dryden says. "The problem was that it became a very unsafe country for our volunteers to go into, so we had to leave Haiti. Over the last few years we have tried to find ways of getting back there."

SCAW doesn't ship the bed kits from Canada but instead uses the donations to develop cottage industries within the countries where the bed kits are distributed.

Dryden says SCAW's contacts in Haiti have told the organization that since the earthquake destroyed so much of the country's infrastructure, it would be impossible to find a company to manufacture the bed kits at this time.

"We'll go in after order has been restored," Dryden says. "But we certainly promise people that as soon as the emergency is over, we'll be there."

SCAW is currently working in nine countries around the world. To donate, visit www.scaw.org.

"It's such a great feeling to feel the passion in this sanctuary from all the efforts of the people in Stratford who have put this on."

Dave Dryden

Owen Sound: Thirty-six bedkits this year

Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute has supported Sleeping Children Around the World for four years raising money to fund bedkits. These bedkits are sent to children that live in poor conditions whose families have very little money to buy daily necessities and items that most people believe any child should have such as: colouring books, clothes, and mostly a bed to sleep in. The goal for this year's fundraiser was thirty to forty bedkits. We succeeded in raising enough funds for thirty-six.

The Grade Twelve World Issues class of Ms. Hornseth worked together to organize lunch hour activities to raise money by selling pizza and holding a bake sale. Both events were very successful and profitable for the charity initiative. Not only were these events held, but also jars were sent to each homeroom class for the collection of donations. The students of Ms. Hornseth's class took time to collect the jars every Thursday to roll the money that was raised. To make the fundraiser a fun and competitive event, the class that raised the most money was to receive a Dairy Queen ice cream cake donated by John Buchanan. It was won by Mr. Eaton's vocal class.

Though OSCVI is only one school, we raised $1,337. Nevertheless, if donations were collected worldwide in this manner, our generosity could greatly affect the lives of the desperate.

Thank you to all the staff and students who made this fundraiser possible and successful.

by Laura Kerr-Mervyn

Lynx Systems Promotes Sleeping Children

Lynx Systems is supporting SCAW with their holiday fundraiser this year and also posted a note about us on their website.

LYNX CAUSE

Building Lynx Together
For 11 years Lynx Systems Inc. has been committed to the philosphy of working together as a team to make a difference. This year, the Lynx team is excited to support the excellent work of Sleeping Children Around the World. Sleeping Children around the world (SCAW) donations provide bedkits 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 bedkit donation is spent on administration - 100% reaches a needy child. Each 35$ donation (Canadian Funds) provides a bedkit that consists of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net ( if applicable), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies.

Since founding by Murray and Margaret Dryden in 1970, SCAW has raised over $20 million to provide bedkits in 33 countries. In 2009 they reached their one millionth child.

To learn more about the great work done by SCAW, check out their website at www.scaw.org

Philippines 2 Trip Reports Posted

The donor newsletter for the Philippines special emergency bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.

Philippines 2 Photo Album

Photos are available in the Philippines 2 Photo Album. You can view them by clicking the link at left.

All of the reports did not fit into the newsletter but you can read them in their entirety here.

Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.

The Pinehurst Club Breakfast: May 5th 2010

Our inaugural Pinehurst Club breakfast met and exceeded our goals. With the support of our breakfast sponsor, TD Commercial Banking, our other sponsors (AVW-TELAV, EvansMartin LLP, The Bealight Foundation, Friends of SCAW and Flash Reproductions), and our donors of raffle prizes, we cleared $91,363 for Sleeping Children’s Legacy Fund so that it can continue to support the operating expenses of SCAW.

Next year we celebrate SCAW’s 40^th birthday with our second annual Pinehurst Club Breakfast at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel at 7:30 am on May 5th, 2010.

Christine Magee, President and co-founder of Sleep Country Canada, the largest retailer of mattresses in Canada is the keynote speaker. Christine is a well-known and successful Canadian businesswoman who leads a company with a social conscience. She believes strongly in sharing knowledge and staying involved in the community.

Watch the Sleeping Children Around the World website for more information.

Kettleby Herb Farms Fundraiser

As published on the Kettleby Herb Farms website
2009 Fundraiser

Again, this year we are pleased to be supporting the ‘Sleeping Children Around the World’ foundation, which provides ‘Bed Kits’ to children all over the world. For more information on this organization please visit their web site at www.scaw.org. Last year we raised $350.00 which was enough to purchase 10 bed kits. Click here to see the picture from the distribution of these bed kits earlier this year in the Phillipinnes. The picture shows the 10 children and the contents of a bed kit.

Along with putting together a couple of fundraiser specials (go to our 'catalogue' for details), we are also expanding our fundraising efforts and increasing your shopping pleasure with the help of Fooditudes.com. We are going to donate 10% of all product orders (before shipping) from both Kettleby Herb Farms and Fooditudes.com (see the current newsletter for more info about this joint venture) until December 31, 2009.

To sweeten the deal and encourage you to try our new ‘Garlic Unleashed’ -a cider vinegar & sunflower oil vinaigrette with an awesome garlic punch!, Kettleby will also donate $1.00 for every bottle purchased.

And finally to seal the deal….. no handling fee on all product orders until December 31, 2009.

*Orders from both sites can be combined too!

An acknowledgement of your donation will be included with all product orders.

Let’s see if we can top last year's total!

Game Day with the Majors

Sleeping Children Around the World
Game Day with the Majors
Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Hershey Centre at 2 PM
Ottawa 67's
vs
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Tickets are $10.95 each!
(Savings of $4 off the Walk-Up price.)
For tickets or info, please contact:
The Majors at 905-502-7788, Extension 252
or
Email: vyeghoyan@majors.ca


GAME DAY WITH THE MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL’S MAJORS
Sleeping Children Around the World is being honoured by the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors hockey organization. They have graciously dedicated the game scheduled for Sunday December, 13^th to Sleeping Children. Dave Dryden will participate in the ceremonial puck drop that will precede the game. Many of us do not remember that Dave was the goaltender for the Majors in 1961 when they last won the Memorial Cup!

All proceeds from the Teddy Bear Toss will be donated to Sleeping Children. Up to 1000 Teddy Bears will be thrown onto the ice by the fans following the Major’s first goal. These Teddy Bears will be collected and donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region and used to brighten a young child’s Christmas in our local community. Canadian Tire has generously donated all the Teddy Bears.

The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors hockey club will offer all “friends of Sleeping Children” an opportunity to purchase tickets at a reduced rate for the game. The game will be played at the Hershey Centre on Sunday December 13^th against the Ottawa 67’s beginning at 2:00 pm. Gates open at 1:00 pm so be sure to get there early as a limited number of Bears are available for purchase. To order tickets please call 905-502-7788 x252 and order your tickets over the phone or through email at vyeghoyan@majors.ca.

Just ask for the Sleeping Children Around the World ticket offer and you will receive a $10.95 ticket ($4.00 off the regular price). All tickets ordered through this special offer will be left at the Hershey Centre Box Office’s Will Call window.

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The game will also be broadcast on Rogers TV (Peel Region), Channel 10.

One million bedkits - and counting

From Tanzania 2009 Photo Album

As published in the Globe and Mail, Saturday, December 5, 2009

By Paul Waldie

The Donors: The Dryden Family
The Gift: One million beds, and climbing, for impoverished children
The Cause: Sleeping Children Around The World

Murray Dryden was on a trip to Lahore, Pakistan, in 1970 when he tripped over a child sleeping on the street. Instead of just walking away, Mr. Dryden felt compelled to do something.

"It upset him," said Mr. Dryden's son, Dave. "And, it reminded him of his days during the Depression. ... It just hit him and it was like, 'No, this isn't right.' "

Mr. Dryden returned home to Toronto and told his wife, Margaret, that they had to start sending beds to street children in places like Pakistan and India. She agreed and together they bought a stack of bedding, clothing and mosquito nets and arranged to distribute the items to 50 children in India.

Their friends soon found out about the couple's effort and began donating money to buy more beds. That prompted the couple to create Sleeping Children Around The World, using their home as an office.

Over the years, SCAW has raised more than $20-million and now has 90 volunteers who work with agencies in countries across Asia, Africa and South America. This year the organization delivered its one millionth bed kit, made up of a mattress, mosquito net, clothing, school uniform and school supplies.

Ms. Dryden died in 1985 and Mr. Dryden in 2004. They donated their home to the organization and a $3-million fund to cover all future administrative costs. The donation has meant that every dollar donated to the charity goes directly to buying bed kit supplies.

The couple's children - Judy and former NHL players Dave and Ken - have carried on the legacy.

Dave is chairman of SCAW and is heading to India in February with Judy to deliver 4,000 kits (Ken, a Toronto area member of Parliament, wanted to go but couldn't because of his parliamentary duties). All of the kit supplies are bought locally and Dave said the organization hopes to deliver 75,000 kits next year.

"It's awesome," he said when asked what it was like to deliver a kit to a child. "You are out in the rural countryside and these people don't have anything. To get a bed kit like that, it has a huge impact on their lives.

"What we are finding is that by giving a kid a good night's sleep and then the clothing to go to school, and the school supplies, we really are having an impact on their education."

pwaldie@globeandmail.com

A Christmas Carol

To celebrate the season, Windermere United Church is hosting a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in support of SCAW.

With Lorenda Redekopp of CBC Radio 1

With Other ‘Celebrity Readers’ and Special Seasonal Music

Sunday, December 6, 7:30pm

Windermere United Church

356 Windermere Avenue
2 Blocks south of Bloor Street

www.windermerechurch.ca

"SCAW volunteer, our own inimitable Karen Shouldice, will be reading Stave 1. I've seen Karen on stage and you are in for a treat! Come out and cheer for Karen and SCAW. Please wear your name badge in case anyone has questions about SCAW.

$15.00 donation at the door with all proceeds to Sleeping Children Around the World.

Win for Charity

As published in the Daytripping magazine
September/October, 2009

Shirley Aerts, of Strathroy, helped to deliver 6,015 bedkits for Sleeping Children Around the World in Uganda. Photo taken by Annette Arnold.

When the photo was published, she won $25 for Sleeping Children Around the World.

Wish List: Clean living

From The National Post
November 28, 2009

This time of year, I’m in full holiday shopping guide mode and immersed in gift-giving this and must-have product thats. Surrounded by so much stuff, I feel a little dirty. And yet the impetus at the holidays is to give, even when sometimes we can ill-afford to do so. Which is why I was struck by Consonant’s new limited-run Help Somebody Soap ). Consonant is donating 100% of the sale price - that’s twelve bucks from each and every one of the 1,000 bars for a total of $12,000 - to the Canadian-based organization Sleeping Children Around the World (scaw.org). So what, right? So many companies donate a percentage or portion of proceeds to charity these days. Thing is, Consonant isn’t exactly Body Shop or The Gap; it’s not even a mid-size company. Owner Bill Baker launched the fledging organic body care brand just last year, after leaving his job in advertising. “I have financed every penny of this business myself,” he says. “We’re not even a six-figure business this year so the donation will be a big percentage of our sales. We’re a very modest business but I’m investing for the long haul and this charitable giving part has been part of the DNA from the beginning.” Baker also went 100% because, he also admits, he’s “a bit cynical” about other companies and their donation formulas. “Is that 25 cents on $20? Is that half of the profits before tax or after? Do you deduct margin, marketing funds and advertising dollars?”

Donation aside, why pay $12 for a bar of soap when some mass brands sell three to a pack for four bucks? “You’re paying more for what’s not in it,” says Baker. That means no animal by-products or any of the regular unpronounceable synthetic ingredients found in cheap bars of soap (some of which been otherwise banned in American baby foods). No trace elements of herbicides, pesticides or hormones, no chemical preservatives. “Bar soap, made properly and saponified properly, is not vulnerable to bacteria and doesn’t need preservatives anyway,” says Baker. Consonant's charity of choice, SCAW, takes a similar approach. It was started by Murray Dryden, father of hockey players Dave and Ken Dryden, who created a trust to cover administrative costs. “So when you give $35 toward a bed kit for a needy child in a developing country, it’s $35 for a bed kit,” Baker says proudly. I feel cleaner already.

Help Somebody Soap is $12, at Delineation, The Bay and Sears downtown flagships in major cities and specialty retailers across Canada (or buy online at Helpsomebodysoap.com)

Bill Baker gives 100 per cent. So do Margaret and Murray Dryden.

As published in The Toronto Star
November 24, 2009

By Kate Robertson

So when Baker's Consonant Body Organic Skincare company was looking to support a worthy cause, the Drydens' Sleeping Children Around the World organization, which distributes bedkits to needy children in developing countries, was a natural fit.

Baker came up with Help Somebody Soap. The $12 bar is a "blend of spirited and earthy botanical oils with a hint of citrus and patchouli."

Just as 100 per cent of donations to Sleeping Children goes to providing bedkits, 100 per cent of the price of the soap is going to the non-profit organization. Bedkits, which cost $35, include a mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, treated mosquito net and clothing.

Help Somebody Soap is available at the Bay and Sears flagship stores, specialty shops and online at www.helpsomebodysoap.com.

For more information about Sleeping Children Around the World visit www.scaw.org.

Great Stocking Stuffer

From Canadian Living
November 22, 2009

By Daniela Payne

This Consonant Help Somebody Soap would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone! I was recently sent a sample and am impressed by the cute packaging, subtle scent and great cause. All $12 of the purchase price of this 100 per cent natural product is donated to the Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) charity, an organization that distributes bedkits to needy children in developing countries (you can find out more info on SCAW here).

According to their website, Consonant Body products are made with natural ingredients like fair trade and organic oils, and are free of artificial colours or dyes.

You can purchase Consonant products at Sears or online here.

Don't forget to enter my current giveaway, I'll be choosing a winner on Monday.

Racking your brain to find the best Christmas gifts for your loved ones? Find some great DIY holiday gift ideas in our Craft section, and sign up for our craft newsletter Get Crafty and get great crafting ideas directly to your e-mail inbox.

Help Some-Body Soap

From the Consonant website.

Help Some-Body Soap
This 100% natural and organic soap is wonderfully fragranced with a blend of spirited and earthy botanical oils with a hint of citrus and patchouli. Consonant is proud to be donating every penny of the sale price ($12) of this limited edition soap to the fantastic Canadian charity Sleeping Children Around the World.

The 100% Soap
As noted above, 100% of the sales of this soap are being donated to Sleeping Children Around the World, the 100% charity. You can buy this body soap at the Consonant website or at stores across Canada.

Four Seasons Hotels Helps SCAW

“And to All, a Good Night.” Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces Gift Card campaign in support of Sleeping Children Around the World.

From the Press Release of November 18, 2009

In the spirit of the holiday season, for every Four Seasons Gift Card sold from December 1 through 10, 2009, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will donate the cost of one bed kit to Canada-based charity Sleeping Children Around the World.

This not-for-profit organisation believes that it is the right of every child to have a comfortable night’s sleep. It provides bed kits including life-saving items such as treated mosquito nets for children in areas prone to malaria, along with fundamental necessities such as a mat, sheets, blankets, clothing and more. In 2009, Sleeping Children Around the World delivered its millionth bed kit.

“Four Seasons is proud to support Sleeping Children Around the World in reaching their next milestone and in improving the lives of so many children,” says Susan Helstab, Executive Vice President Marketing. “Just as we as a hospitality brand strive to create an environment that is both comfortable and worry-free for our guests, they are striving to do the same for those less fortunate.”

Founded in 1970, Sleeping Children Around the World is dedicated to offering children in developing countries something fundamental to a successful future – sound, safe slumber. At the heart of the programme is the bed kit, each costing CAD 35.00, the contents of which not only allow for a comfortable sleep but also fight off the threats and diseases specific to each region. Bed kits are produced locally in each distribution country, eliminating transportation costs, assisting local economies and ensuring that the contents of the bed kits are suitable for the area.

With 100 per cent of monetary donations going directly to the purchase of bed kit components, the charity is fuelled by the passion of its volunteers, who assemble bed kits and personally deliver them to communities in over 33 countries – including India, Kenya and the Philippines – at their own expense.

“Reaching one million bed kits has fulfilled founder Murray Dryden’s dream, but now we are looking ahead to what we can achieve in the future. This campaign will provide vital funds for an optimistic start to 2010,” says Linda Webb, Executive Director, Sleeping Children Around the World.

To help support the campaign, visit the Four Seasons Gift Card web site or any Four Seasons Hotel or Resort worldwide from December 1 through 10, 2009, to purchase a Gift Card. The easy-to-order Gift Cards may be personalised for delivery and are available in a variety of denominations from USD 100.00 to USD 5,000.00 online and from USD 50.00 to USD 100,000.00 at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts worldwide. Smart-phone users can now purchase Four Seasons Gift Cards from the new and secure mobile Gift Card site.

Owen Sound Heritage Mall

For the 16^th year in a row, St. Thomas and St. George's Anglican Churches in Owen Sound have set up their display at the Heritage Mall to promote Sleeping Children Around the World and sell bedkits.

Looking after things on Saturday afternoon were (Left to right) Cara Douglas, Audrey Beatty, and Lynda Douglas.

The campaign is on until Christmas.

Potential donors in Owen Sound can contact the churches for more information or a donation form.

If you're not in Owen Sound, you can always download a copy of the donation form from the Sleeping Children website at this link.

A Good Night's Sleep

As published in the National Post
Saturday, November 14, 2009

Dana Lacey, Financial Post

Nearly 40 years ago, Murray Dryden stumbled over a child sleeping in the street in Pune, India. Soon after he and his wife, Margaret, founded Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), with a mission to provide a peaceful night's sleep for children living in developing countries.

On their first donation trip they delivered kits consisting of a mattress, mosquito net, school supplies and a set of clothes to 50 children that didn't have beds. This summer, SCAW delivered its millionth bed kit.

Dave Dryden, the former NHL goalie, is Murray's son and chairman of the organization. He credits SCAW's success to the business model his father created: Every cent donated to the charity has gone directly toward the purchase of bedkits.

"It's important for people to know exactly where their money is going," Mr. Dryden says. "There's a skepticism out there about donating to charity."

The 100% promise is achieved in several ways. Before he passed in 2003, Murray Dryden built a sizeable nest egg -- called the Legacy Fund -- from which all operating expenses are drawn. The charity is run from the Dryden family home in Toronto. SCAW does not advertise; for 39 years the company has grown solely through word of mouth.

There is only one paid employee -- the rest are volunteers. The charity performs a dozen donation trips a year to more than 30 developing countries, where it partners with local service clubs, such as Kiwanis, Rotary and Lion's clubs. These clubs in turn connect them with needy children. The money is given to the clubs, who donate their time to buy the materials locally for the kits. This provides a boost to the local economy.

Canadian SCAW volunteers pay their own expenses to travel to the various countries and distribute the kits. It's the kind of trip that attracts retired couples and older adults looking for unique experiences and a chance to give something back. Each kid is photographed with their new bed, so the donor gets a smiling souvenir or gift.

SCAW's mission and business model has caught the attention of Consonant Body, an organic soap company. They created SCAWbranded "Help Somebody" soaps, sold at The Bay, Sears and specialty stores, and donate 100% of the profit to the charity.

Because the Legacy Fund has begun to dwindle, SCAW has taken its first big step into the corporate world. "We were mainly funded by individual donors, churches, schools and service clubs," Mr. Dryden says. Last spring, it hosted its first annual Pinehurst Club breakfast meeting and invited the business community. TD Canada Trust was the main sponsor and donated the meeting space. Toronto Argonauts vice chairman Pinball Clemons was guest speaker.

"Businesses were thrilled about keeping the organization running as it does," Mr. Dryden says. The event raised $92,000 for the operating fund, and another $15,000 for the kits. Which, at $35 a kit, means more than 400 kids will get a new bed.

Johnny Max Christmas Benefit Party

Johnny Max 1^st Annual Christmas Party

Time: 3 - 7 PM
Date: Saturday, December 5^th
Place: The Harp Restaurant & Pub

55 LAKESHORE RD E.
PORT CREDIT VILLAGE

Entry: $10 DONATION

All proceeds go to
Sleeping Children Around The World and Sick Kids Hospital

Click image to enlarge.

SCAW Presentation Slideshow

St. Gregory RC Church Annual Craft Show

Submitted by Eileen Rademacher

St. Gregory R.C. Church,
122 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke
Ontario, M9B 2K6

Annual Craft Show, Tea Garden and Bake Sale
Saturday, November 21st 2009 – 9 am. to 1 pm.
Sunday, November 22nd 2009 – after all the Masses
Wood Crafts, Knitting, Jewelry, Art, Christmas Decorations and much more

Raffle Prizes

• 1^st Prize: Flat-screen TV
  Donated by Turner and Porter Funeral Homes
• 2^nd Prize: Two tickets for the Toronto Raptors
• 3^rd Prize: Baskets of various gifts worth $150
• And many more prizes ………

I will be having a table at this event selling my cards, book marks and other art work. Proceeds will be donated to Sleeping Children Around the World

Eileen Rademacher