Allow me to introduce David Keam (Best Sleep Centre President) and Joan Berrington Fellowship/Outreach – Maranatha Evangelical Free Church – www.mefree.ca), who partnered with me/us on a very unique and fruitful project. I’ve known Joan and her family for a number of years, and have come to value and honor their friendships and Christian example over the past number of years.

As for David, I’ve only met him through e-mail correspondence, and of course his radio/tv ads.(edited)

When I approached our board a few weeks back about tapping into the churches benevolent fund to help out a need in the community, Bob Hogue and Azhar Laldin very quickly set the wheels in motion. A step back to inform you of the project. Ashton (my 19-year old daughter), and I volunteer at a food bank in the west end at Maranatha Evangelical Free Church. Essentially this church has really gotten itself involved with the immediate community, finding out there was a Manitoba Housing project, literally in their back yard. Over the course of our bi-weekly program, I was made aware of an “urgent” need where a family of 6 (Mom and Dad and 4 kids under the age of 9), were living on one double mattress. The mattress (which was removed later), was not fit for cattle to sleep on, yet the 4 kids laid on his night after night over the course of the last 6-months as we found out. The Mom and Dad slept on the floor. I don’t have to tell you that the floors in Manitoba Housing Projects are not soft, nor are they at all warm.

With that need, I was asked by Joan Berrington, who attends the Maranatha church, and heads up the food bank program, if I might be able to come up with some ideas as to how we could help this family, with trying to get one bedding unit. With all due respect to Joan and her congregation, this is not an affluent church by any means, but they’ve got an amazing heart for God! With that request, how could I not help. That’s where the WRBC board, and my subsequent conversations with David came into play. Over the course of a 7-10 day period, we (David and I), managed to drum up a brand new Queen Mattress and Box Spring – PLUS – a new Double Mattress and Box Spring – PLUS – bedding for both systems! David was most generous and gracious in his assistance. I can tell you that after selling bedding units myself over a 6-year period while I was in high school and university, this was a very good deal. As a “rough guesstimate”, I’d say this family got at least $2,000 in value.

But here’s where I think we as Christians can truly be thankful and grateful in “partnering”. If you check out David’s website (www.bestsleepcentre.com), you will see that he’s very philanthropic with his business, being involved in a number of programs and charities. What I think somewhat “alarmed” David, was me coming to him and asking for help, but also coming with a check in the amount of $500 to offset his costs. He got back to me in very short order over the phone and mentioned that in all his years of carrying out business, he’s had numerous requests from individuals but seldom with a shared funding vision.(edited)

The lesson I’ve learned over the years is that while it’s great that we’ve all got contacts in the Christian business world, is it too much to ask that we as requestors, also try to help in drumming up some funds? At times I feel sorry for the Art DeFehr’s, Bison Trucking, etc for continually being hit up for contributions to assist in charities and projects. Yes they give graciously, but please consider the time and money that is involved with procuring funds, products, etc.

Back to my story of the family that got their furnishings. The Fleury family were absolutely elated to receive these gifts. They were especially thankful for the contributions of the 3 groups that partnered on this project. I made sure that the Mom (Shelly), was aware that Joan’s initial ask from the Maranatha Church was then conveyed to me and my home church – Whyte Ridge Community Baptist Church, and then finally to David at Best Sleep Centre. Tears were shed, hugs were given and everyone went home happy with their gifts of time, energy, money, bedding and awareness of how truly thankful we should all be for being part of a greater partnership – belonging to “Gods Company”.

Thank you again, one and all for your guidance, prayers and contributions to this worthwhile project. For those that do have more than a passing interest in this worthwhile Food Bank project, Joan and her crew are always looking for any food or financial contributions we could provide, as well as some of the more “tangible” items like furnishing as the requests are received. Ashton and I are just doing our small part helping out those less fortunate than ourselves.

I’m from the Harry Lehotsky school of thought – “don’t just give a hand out, give a hand up”. If you’ve got the time or the heart to become involved in this great community Outreach program, I urge you to give me a call.

Again thanks to all involved in this initial project. Joan for her vision, David for his contribution and to my WRBC team for their passion to use our church as a “true” community vessel. I see many more great opportunities down the road, and I’d like to have you all along for the ride!

Kindest Regards, Dan

Dan
Territory Manager – Neurosurgical and Spine
Medtronic Sofamor Danek