Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s Interlake chapter took a major step toward its goal of providing 100 beds to children in need this year after volunteers gathered for a successful build day in May.
Twenty-three volunteers braved wet weather to build 50 beds during Sleep in Heavenly Peace Interlake’s first build day of 2026. The organization provides beds, mattresses and bedding to children who do not have a bed of their own
Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, 23 volunteers came together to build 50 beds destined for children throughout the Interlake region.
Chapter president Diane Fjeld said the day was a testament to the generosity and community spirit that continues to drive the organization’s mission.
“Twenty-three people braved the weather and made 50 beds in four hours,” said Fjeld. “It was like a well-oiled machine with our regular volunteers helping our new builders. Cutting, sanding, drilling, branding and staining — it takes a crew to make it happen.”
The build was made possible through community support, including a $5,500 grant from the Westshore Community Foundation and a $2,200 donation from Interlake Co-op.
The chapter also recognized the support of the Stony Mountain/Stonewall Masonic Lodge and Gimli Masonic Lodge, whose members participated in the build day and provided financial support.
“Stony Mountain/Stonewall Lodge and the Gimli Masonic Lodge showed us their skills,” Fjeld said. “They sent 10 volunteers and Stony Mountain/Stonewall Lodge donated $500. All donations are greatly appreciated and enable us to keep building.”
Additional support came from KC Enterprises, which supplied lunch for volunteers and provides lumber for the beds. Fjeld also acknowledged Kingsdown, which manufactures the mattresses, and Smitty’s Furniture in Arborg, which transports them to families in need.
“Every contribution is important to us,” she said.
The build day marks significant progress toward the chapter’s goal of doubling its output from last year, when volunteers built 42 beds for children across the Interlake region. The organization provides handmade wooden beds, mattresses, bedding and quilts to children between the ages of three and 17 who do not have a bed of their own.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace launched its Interlake chapter in 2025 and serves communities stretching from Stonewall and Gimli to Fisher Branch, Riverton and Fisher River Cree Nation. The organization relies entirely on volunteers, donations and community partnerships to meet the growing demand for beds.
As a standalone chapter operating under the umbrella of the national organization, which is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, Fjeld said the local chapter does not hold fundraising events but instead relies on the goodwill of communities, foundations, businesses, organizations and individual donors.
“The volunteers are the heart of everything we do,” she said.
The chapter is currently looking for additional volunteers to help deliver and set up beds throughout the Interlake region.
“Our Interlake region covers a lot of geography and bed requests can come from anywhere,” said Fjeld. “If you are interested in helping in any way, contact me through the SHP Facebook page, Messenger or by text.”
Families in need can apply for a bed through the organization’s website at SHPbeds.ca.
“Likewise, if you know of a family that needs beds for their children, let us know,” Fjeld said. “We are here to help.”
People can also inquire about volunteering and making monetary or new bedding donations by calling Diane Fjeld at (204) 641-5297.
