Atlanta–based Simmons Bedding Co. partnered with humanitarian organization CARE to donate 720 foam mattresses to Haitians left homeless by a Jan. 12 earthquake.
The mattresses, made of 5–inch polyurethane foam cores, were transported to the cities of Port–au–Prince and Leogane, where CARE staff and community volunteers are overseeing distribution. Priority is being given to injured and ill individuals, children and the elderly. Three foam producers—Flexible Foam Products Inc., Future Foam and FXI Foamex Innovations—donated the polyurethane cores.
“The people of Haiti have demonstrated a tremendous will to survive and persevere despite losing homes, neighborhoods, friends and family members to this terrible tragedy,” said Tim Oakhill, Simmons executive vice president of marketing. “Upon learning of the destruction, we recognized that Simmons could help bring an element of comfort to the homeless by donating beds to CARE’s relief effort.”
Simmons has a history of donating mattresses to those in need, including victims of Hurricane Katrina. The company also has made mattress donations to charities such as the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodges and the Richie–Madden Children’s Foundation.
