Volunteers in Moncton build beds for kids who are sleeping on the floor

Volunteers are stepping up in Moncton to help build beds for children, as the number of local families in need “grows every day.”

“Our task is monumental,” said Jim Merzetti, local president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “We’re just trying to take it one step at a time.”

The non-profit organization, with chapters across North America, has the mission of building, assembling, and delivering beds to children who don’t have their own to sleep in.

The Moncton chapter began work in May, and to date has delivered 22 beds to local children between the ages of three and 17.

Merzetti said there are 35 Moncton-area families on the waitlist right now.

“The list grows every day,” he said.

The local chapter estimates there are about 1,000 children in Greater Moncton area without a bed.

Merzetti said a local outreach centre for families in transition recently informed the organization it recorded about 180 local children who need a bed.

“So that’s going to keep us busy,” said Merzetti, adding that several local families who have immigrated to Canada in the last several years have arrived with nothing, let-alone a bed.

On Saturday, volunteers gathered to help build bed frames in the Moncton RONA parking lot.

The cost to construct and outfit each bed is about $450, with the price offset by donations. Each bed is delivered with a mattress, blankets, and pillows.

Volunteer Sarah Lord was one of about two dozen volunteers helping to sand wood being used to construct the bed frames.

“We’re still learning but it just feels really good to be able to work with your hands, learn a new skill, and just jump right in and do it,” she said.

Anybody looking to donate, volunteer, or apply for a bed can visit the Sleep in Heavenly Peace website.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.