Founded in 1970, Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) is a registered Canadian charity, built on the belief that every child has the right to a good night’s sleep. It encompasses a global community of over 2,000 volunteers, pursuing the vision of a world in which every child begins a day of hope, rested and ready to learn.

In the countries where SCAW operates, over a quarter of a billion school-age children live in extreme poverty, lacking even the most basic comforts for sleep. Through the donations made by people like you, SCAW gives SLEEP, JOY and HOPE to these children, through the unconditional gift of a bedkit. Each $40 donation provides one bedkit, generally consisting of a mat or mattress and bedding, a mosquito net to prevent malaria, school supplies, and clothing. Bedkit contents vary from country to country depending upon local needs.

SCAW is operated by volunteers, from the processing of donations to the distribution of bedkits. This, and a legacy set up by the founder that covers all administrative costs, ensures 100% of every bedkit donation reaches a child in need.

Maximizing Impact

Bedkits are manufactured or purchased in the country of distribution by our Overseas Volunteer Partners (OVPs) - local organizations and individuals - who use their knowledge and expertise to pick the best bedkit items for the children living in that area. Producing bedkits locally provides additional benefits such as employment for dozens of workers, virtually no transportation costs, and strengthened communities. 

To date,  SCAW has helped more than 1.9 million children in 36 countries experience healthy sleep through the gift of a bedkit.