Children across the Interlake now have a new opportunity to sleep in their own bed, thanks to a grassroots effort and a team of dedicated volunteers.
The Interlake chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is officially ready to accept applications for children in need of beds. After several months and multiple build days, the group has 20 beds prepped and ready for delivery.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace began as a single bed build for one family in the U.S. and has since grown into a global movement. The organization expanded to Canada in 2018 and has since donated thousands of beds to families in need across the country. With chapters throughout North America, volunteers construct twin beds for children, following the mission that no child should sleep on the floor.
Diane Fjeld first heard of Sleep in Heavenly Peace while watching television. After suggesting a speaker from the Winnipeg chapter visit her rotary club, she started researching and soon realized she could open a chapter of her own — serving the Interlake region.
“It’s like everything we talk about,” said Fjeld. “We talk about getting a good night’s sleep. It’s just like kids going to school without being fed. They need food nutrition to keep functioning, and they need a good sleep too.”
About a year ago, Fjeld submitted her application, completed an interview, and began searching for volunteers. She and a team of six took part in build days in Winnipeg, then travelled to Alberta for training on how to build beds, run the website and manage donations. From there, the Interlake chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace began to take shape.
Every few weeks, the volunteers meet in Fjeld’s garage to build more beds. The group is always looking for help, so teaching and learning happen at every session.
“It’s not a difficult process,” said Fjeld. “It’s set up like an assembly line. Anyone can do it.”
Each bed is built from scratch using a template to guide volunteers. Using jigs, wood and screws, they build the headboards and footboards, leaving the rest in pieces to assemble during delivery. Once the bed arrives at the recipient’s home, volunteers construct it on site so families have nothing left to do.
Each bed also comes with a mattress, pillows, sheets, a comforter and a quilt — everything a child needs for a good night’s sleep.
The Interlake chapter sources wood from KC Enterprises Ltd. in Gimli. Mattresses come from Smitty’s Furniture and Appliances in Arborg, quilts are donated by local quilting groups, and bedding is supplied by Giant Tiger on McPhillips Street in Winnipeg. Their shelving was donated by Sobeys in Gimli.
While some items are donated, most must be purchased — which is why monetary donations are vital for the group.
Until now, Fjeld has focused on securing suppliers, gathering donations and acquiring tools. With 20 beds now ready, the application portal is officially open.
The Interlake chapter serves everyone living in the R0C area code. As the group is still growing and volunteers are limited, families in the southern region may wait a bit longer for deliveries than those in the north.
There are two ways to apply: as a recipient or through a referral. Applicants must be the legal guardian of a child aged three to 17 and meet the following criteria:
• Live within the active chapter area
• Have an accessible home with space for a bed
• Be reachable by phone, text or email
• Have children between the ages of three and 17
• Complete the online form at www.shpbeds.ca
“We just want to be sure every child has their own bed to sleep in,” said Fjeld.
Each bed delivered is a standard twin. For now, Fjeld and her volunteers build in her garage and store supplies in a rented unit — but they’re actively looking for a permanent space to use in the future.
Anyone interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace Interlake can contact Fjeld at 204-519-2451. One hundred per cent of donations go toward building beds and purchasing bedding. Volunteers are welcome to help as much or as little as they like. Local businesses are also encouraged to book build days, and Fjeld is available to speak to groups about the initiative.
