SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: December 5

Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), an organization based in Canada, partnered with World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI) for the distribution of bedkits to 5,000 children in the Philippines. SCAW donates funds to WOSDI and the latter organizes the purchase and distribution of bedkits.

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The distribution was done over a period of two weeks in the month of November in 16 sites located in the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and NCR. Earlier this year, bedkits were given to 1,500 children in NCR. It was a heartwarming experience for the Kiwanis Clubs of Cainta Vista Verde, Angeles City, Cainta Hope, and Pasay City, who organized WOSDI, to see the happy faces of children and their parents receive a one of a kind gift that was meant to improve the sleeping conditions of children as envisioned by SCAW founders Murray and Margaret Dryden. SCAW believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and that a day of hope begins with a good night’s sleep. This purpose blends well with, and finds true meaning in, the Kiwanis motto of Serving the Children of the World.

It was timely that the distribution of bedkits was done in the month of November which has been declared as National Children’s Month. A solid partnership between institutions that care for children. SCAW. WOSDI. KIWANIS. CHEERS!

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 30

This is a remote distribution. DAY 8 Talisay, Batangas. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

Today, 600 children in Talisay, Batangas were recipients of bedkits donated by Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). The bedkits were distributed by World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. ( WOSDI) which was formed by the Kiwanis Clubs of Cainta Vista Verde, Cainta Hope, Pasay City, and Angeles City. This is the 2nd time that bedkits sourced from funds donated by SCAW were distributed in Talisay. It was another heartwarming experience for the members of WOSDI to see the happy faces of children, aged 6 to 12, receiving their bedkits as an early Christmas gift from SCAW.

The distribution which took place in the Marquesses Memorial Gymnasium and the air-conditioned St. William Hall of the San Guillermo Parish was very orderly because the local volunteers had previous experience in the distribution of bedkits from SCAW. The children entertained themselves with songs rendered by 3 of them who were given cash prizes for their efforts.

Happy children, happy faces, grateful parents, and very helpful local volunteers made our day.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 28

This is a remote distribution. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

Another very busy day. 300 bedkits were distributed in Emilio Jacinto Elementary School in Tondo and 300 bedkits in Ususan, Taguig.  Both sites are in Metro Manila but travel time between the sites was more than an hour.  The sites were in spacious covered courts. There was a little delay in Ususan as the delivery truck got caught up in traffic.

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In Ususan, the children sang Christmas carols when they saw their early Christmas gifts! The school principal together with volunteer teachers were very thankful that SCAW, through WOSDI, was able to reach their area. The school principal apparently did some research on SCAW and was very happy to know that bedkits have been distributed in the Philippines since the mid 80s.

It was hot and humid in the afternoon and electric fans had to be brought out. Actual distribution in both sites took a little more than an hour from the time that the children were dressed up in their pajamas.

School teachers and members of Kiwanis did a splendid job in organizing the event. 

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 28

Cooperative Spirit in Action

Today’s distribution was held at a school in the village of Malthan. In addition to our usual Rotarian partners, we had many volunteers from the local community, known for its cooperative spirit. The teachers who assisted were dressed in their special occasion uniform of a beautiful sari with a navy blazer.

Many of the volunteers were young people. We were greeted by a line of girls dancing, their saris of the most vibrant colours. Female students helped the children change into the bedkit clothing and some male students and young men from the community assisted with carrying items in the bedkit.

Lots of “selfies” were taken with the SCAW team. And a son of one Rotarian assisted in organizing the children for the photos. These younger volunteers showed us that the spirit of giving back has passed on to the next generation.

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 27

The Smiles of Excited Children

Today we returned to the hospital in Indapur. Having the same setup as yesterday made the bedkit distribution go smoothly.

I think this group of children were the most excited about the bedkits so far. Some of them ran to have their pictures taken and pointed to their favourite bedkit items. The stainless steel water bottle received the biggest cheers, followed by the always popular school supplies.

One of the volunteers today was a pharmacy student from the hospital that hosted us. He was great with the children, lining them up and coaxing them to smile for the camera. Reviewing the photos later made me smile. I know they will make the SCAW donors smile as well. 

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 27

This is a remote distribution. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

The 7th day of distribution was another eventful day. The recipients in Talang were dressed in their new clothes when we arrived at 8 am. Because the distribution was scheduled to start at 9 am, there was ample time for a special presentation by the children. They started off with their morning exercise ritual, singing their school hymn, and singing the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada. There were special dance numbers from the students and the officers of the PTA. The teachers did a splendid job in taking care of the children. Talang is one of the best organized distribution sites as one of the members of WOSDI was a graduate of that school.

In Panclara, a remote village, there was a 40 minute delay because of a heavy downpour. Portions of the gymnasium were wet and children and parents had to huddle under umbrellas.

There was another surprise dance number from Canadian flag-bearing students. When we arrived, we were greeted by children waving red and white banners. There was a small glitch when one of the labels did not have the name of a sponsor. We checked our files and email, but with the same result. We decided to continue and take a picture of the blank label. Both sites in Candaba were in covered courts. We were treated by local Panclara leaders to delicacies well known in the area. One child was all smiles when he received his gift and requested one more bedkit for his brother!

It was the 8th day the WOSDI group was out of town. Tired and weary, the thought of seeing children happy with their gifts  was more than enough reason for us to continue distribution in 5 more sites.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 26

Warm Sleeping Kits Distributed in Indapur. This blog post was written by Sakina Pittalwala, one of our Rotarian partners.

Today was a special day. We were in Indapur, a town about 125 kilometers (or 78 miles) away from Pune city. This was our first day of giving out sleeping kits in Indapur, and it was Day 4 of our whole project.

We were happy to give warm sleeping kits to about 670 young children. These children were chosen from 49 different schools in Indapur and the nearby villages. We held the distribution at a very kind place: an Ayurvedic hospice. Ayurveda is India’s traditional, ancient medicine system, using natural ingredients.

About Indapur:

Indapur is a very old, historical town. It has links to the great Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The town is also known for its ancient temples, especially the Indreshwar Temple, which is the town's main place of worship. It also sits near the Ujani Dam and the Bhima River, which makes the area important for farming.

Our Partners and Plans:

Today’s great effort was helped by our main partner, the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, and by the Rotary Club of Indapur. Thank you for making this possible.

We are staying the night in Indapur and hope to distribute 700 more kits tomorrow!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day a success!

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 25

The Pune bedkit included a mattress for the first time. The Rotary Club of Pune Cantonement, our Overseas Volunteer Partner, solicited samples and bids from several local companies and selected the New Poona Cotton Factory, started in 1937. We visited this company which has 73 employees. The owner is the fourth generation to run the business. His wife works here and his daughter will be joining when she finishes school.

Careful thought went  in to the mattress design. It is made of foam and is 66 inches long which should fit the oldest children for around four years. The dark fabric cover is 80 percent cotton for breathability in summer and 20 percent polyester for strength and durability. The mattress is washable and can be dried in the sun. Both the foam and fabric are made in India. To reduce the cost of each mattress, these smaller mattresses were cut from pieces of foam left over during the manufacturing of commercial mattresses.

Like Sleeping Children, this company appreciates the importance of a good night of sleep. They have a program that involves cleaning and re-covering returned cotton mattresses and donating them to students at a local high school.

The supplier that made the t-shirts and shorts was also new this year so we visited their sewing facility. The company has been in business for 25 years and has 53 employees. The owner showed us how they cut, sew and press the t-shirts and shorts. One of his employees attends the distribution to help with sizing of the children.

We enjoyed touring the facilities of these two new partners and seeing the care they put in to providing for the children of Pune.

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 25

This is a remote distribution. Today’s post was written by Melvin from WOSDI.

Today’s distribution in Tarlac City and Angeles City went well. It was only marred by 10 latecomers who came from distant places. We were about to get substitutes when the 10 recipients arrived, 35 minutes late. 

We had a special guest in the Tarlac City site in the person of Mr. Avelino Tanjuakio, Jr (pictured below) who lives 2 blocks away. He is the son of Avelino Tanjuakio Sr. who, together with Dr. Ito Torres, happens to be one of the original partners of SCAW, in the Philippines. Both of them are members of Kiwanis. I recall that the two of them went to Canada to talk to Murray Dryden in the mid-1980s and that is when the partnership of SCAW with Kiwanis started. 

We had another special guest in Angeles City in the person of Michelle Garcia (pictured below) who is a teacher in EPZA Resettlement Elementary School where the Angeles City distribution took place. She is 29 years old. When she was 9 years old she received a SCAW bedkit in Magalang, Pampanga, our next distribution site. She no longer has any of the contents of the bedkit in her possession which either got worn out or got lost when they transferred to another house. She said that there are more contents in today’s bedkits and that they appear to be more durable. 

There were a couple of children with disabilities who were given priority. One was in a wheelchair. A parent of one autistic child failed to notify us because she was not aware of the preference given to children who are in similar situations. One child vomitted on the premises but appeared to be okay after a few minutes.

In Tarlac City, we noticed that there were still small children who did not appear to be at least six years old. We talked to the guardians and local volunteers and found out that those aged 7 years and above were in school and were not allowed to go to the distribution site which was far from their school. As a result, they could only gather children who were below 6 years of age. These below-aged children were not on the list of recipients. 

Distribution in Angeles and Tarlac took place in spacious covered courts, which were well lit and ventilated. The recipients in both sites gave thunderous applause when they were shown the contents of the bedkits. At both sites, there were dance performances from students, some of whom were also recipients.

Our local partners are members of Kiwanis from Tarlac and Pampanga.

Based on the interviews, a mosquito net is in demand, especially in areas where there is still no electricity. Many parents instructed their children not to remove their face masks for health reasons. We were able to convince some to remove their masks during picture-taking although some others did not want to do so. 

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Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 24

Monday in Madh!

Our distribution today took us over a scenic mountain pass to the village of Madh. A crowd of excited children and parents greeted us this morning, many who had travelled from over 30 communities for the distribution. 

Our enthusiastic Rotary partners hosted the opening ceremonies and we enjoyed watching two groups of children perform traditional Indian dances in their colourful costumes.

It was delightful to see bedkits and mattresses being loaded onto vehicles and two-wheelers to be taken home although it was a challenging task to get all the bedkits and people loaded for the long trips.

After our work was completed, we shared a meal with our Rotary friends at the nearby school. The school principal shared that the Indian government provides funding so that all school children receive a mid-day meal. At this school, an NGO ChildFund, provides resources and training in computer and life skills. We also stopped briefly at the Rural Health Centre. The proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," rings true in this village.

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 24

This is a remote distribution. This post was written by a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ilocos Sur

Dream of Every Child Turned Into a Reality : The Distribution of Bedkits

There are moments in a community’s story when compassion becomes more than a virtue - it becomes a movement. In Ilocos Sur, such a moment unfolded as organizations, local leaders, and volunteers came together with a shared purpose, to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to 600 children from the towns of Santa and Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. What began as a simple act of giving sleeping kits grew into a shining example of how unity and service can change young lives. When hearts beat for the same cause, ordinary days turn into extraordinary stories of love for children.

Behind this mission were two organizations fuelled by a deep belief that every child deserves comfort and care. Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) in Canada has long carried this compassion across borders, offering bedkits that bring not only warmth and rest, but also a sense of being seen and valued. In the Philippines, the World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI), led by PLD Gov. Melvin Mendoza, embraced this same calling with heart and purpose. Bound together by a shared understanding, the two organizations forged a partnership that opened the door for hundreds of young Ilocanos to experience a simple yet powerful gift, a peaceful night’s sleep. Their united mission became the spark that ignited an unforgettable act of community love in Ilocos Sur.

When WOSDI turned to a local partner to carry the mission forward, the Kiwanis Club of Ilocos Sur (KCIS) stepped up without hesitation. True to their mission of serving children everywhere, the club took the lead in identifying 600 indigent children across Santa and Salcedo. Officers and members coordinated closely with school principals, local mayors, and Municipal Social Welfare Development Officers to ensure that every child in need would be included. They organized logistics, secured distribution venues, and even partnered with the local police for safety transforming a challenging task into a well-planned, seamless operation. Through their collaboration, KC Ilocos Sur under the able leadership of President Leopoldo Gironella Jr. and with the guidance of Charter President Edgar Tejada and all other officers and members demonstrated unwavering support and mutual understanding that when commitment meets careful planning, acts of service can reach far and touch many lives.

The mission’s success was a true testament to the power of community. In Santa and Salcedo, Ilocos Sur local government leaders opened their hearts and resources, allowing the Santa Farmers Multi-Purpose Building and the Salcedo Covered Court to become spaces of joy and hope. School principals, Municipal Social Welfare Development Officers, and the local police worked side by side with Kiwanis volunteers, ensuring that each child was recognized, welcomed, and cared for. The day was filled not only with the distribution of sleeping kits but also with laughter, shared meals, and the simple warmth of human connection. In every detail from the safe and orderly process to the delicious snacks provided, the collaborative effort radiated a message that when a community joins hands, children truly feel seen, valued, and loved.

The officers and members of KC Ilocos Sur were more than organizers, they were living examples of kindness in action. From carefully distributing each sleeping kit to sharing smiles, snacks, and bottled water, they poured their hearts into every interaction. Laughter echoed through the venues as children received their gifts, and the volunteers’ genuine care created moments that went far beyond the material, the simple act of being seen, valued, and loved. In every helping hand, in every warm greeting, the spirit of Kiwanis came alive, a reminder that service is not just about giving, but about touching lives and inspiring hope. The joy and gratitude of the children became the heartbeat of the day, proving that when love and action meet, communities flourish and dreams take flight.

The distribution of sleeping kits to 600 children in Santa and Salcedo was far more than an act of charity. It was a living testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves comfort, dignity, and care. Through the heartfelt collaboration of SCAW, WOSDI, KC Ilocos Sur, and the local government units, this mission became a celebration of community spirit, love in action, and dreams uplifted. Laughter, gratitude, and joy filled the air as children received their kits, but the true gift was the sense of being seen, valued, and cherished. Tonight, as the children rested peacefully in their new sleeping kits, the ripple of human kindness lingered, a reminder that when hearts join together for a common purpose, ordinary moments transform into extraordinary legacies of hope.

 Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 23

We drove north of Pune to visit the homes of children who had received bedkits in February 2025. The first two homes were in a rural area producing vegetables, corn, and sugar cane. Walking through the settlement we recognized clothing from the bedkits drying on clotheslines and rooftops. The hoodie was spotted several places and one child was wearing the pajamas. 

We visited a boy whose parents were at work in the fields so his grandmother was minding her four grandchildren. They showed us the bedkit items and said the hoodie, pajamas, shorts and shirts were well used. They had recently built a two room house which had no furniture but had space for everyone to sleep on the floor. Their old house is now a kitchen and houses the cattle at night to protect them from leopards. Leopards have moved into this area as their habitat is destroyed. There have been several attacks on livestock and humans and no one goes outside after dark.

The second site was in an area of subsistence farmers growing bananas, sugar cane, grapes, chrysanthemums, pomegranates and papayas.

We visited a young girl and her mother and brother. She showed us the bedkit items and especially loved the shorts and shirts as she enjoys sports but never had the proper clothes to wear. The warm bedding and blanket have not been used yet because of the heat wave since February, but she is looking forward to using them as winter sets in.

The final visit was with a boy, his widowed mother, and his grandparents. The boy appreciated the clothing most, however he has had a growth spurt so has outgrown some of the items. His grandmother talked to us about the importance of him getting a good education, an opportunity she never had.

These families were so grateful to SCAW donors for the gift of a bedkit. Despite their hardships, the families were generous to us with their time and insisted on giving us gifts in return - papayas, dill and coriander fresh from the garden and delicious cookies baked with flour grown and prepared from their fields.

We drove off towards a beautiful sunset, feeling that the spirit of giving can be found in everyone.

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 22

We were greeted today by over 700 children and their parents in Khandala, near Satara. Our hosts received us with a warm welcome and we were adorned with traditional headwear for the opening ceremonies.

Hall filled with eager children

Julie with headwear and flowers

Although a bit chaotic to start, the SCAW team and Rotary partners pulled together quickly to run a smooth distribution. 

The Rotary Team Captain for today was Sakina and after making sure all was well, she settled in to do our tracking for the day. 

Helen, Julie (taking photos) and Sakina (tracking)

The chldren must be accompanied by a parent or guardian as the collective bedkit items could not be carried by a chlld alone.

Helping a child put on his new backpack

Mother and child getting black bag with bedkit items

Mother and child picking up the mattress

Today I had the special privilege to deliver some of the bedkits that my friends in Canada have donated. It is very rewarding to see the smiles on the children's faces and know that 100% of our money is put into the bedkit items for each child.

Helen with bedkit recipient

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 21

A Successful First Distribution

We left the chaos of Pune city traffic and drove three hours on curving mountain roads lined with wildflowers  and the lush Satara forest.  This area was chosen for a distribution because the region had experienced devastating floods during historic monsoon rains in June and there was a great need for the items in the bedkits.

We travelled through an agricultural area where the sugar cane harvest was in progress before arriving at the community centre for our first distribution at Koregaon in the district of Satara. 

We were greeted by a band of drummers and horns and members of the local Rotarian club. It was an emotional experience as 700 children, their parents, grandparents and teachers welcomed us with cheers and clapping. Following a brief cultural ceremony the SCAW team presented the items in the bedkit. 

The children cheered loudest for the warm hoodie, the fleece blanket and the raincoat. That told us that our Overseas Volunteer Partner, the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonement, truly identified and met the specific needs of their community.

Our first distribution day went smoothly, and our SCAW team of two were so appreciative of the experience and hard work of all the Rotarian volunteers. Afterwards the local Rotarians graciously hosted us for a traditional lunch, so delicious!

We hope that all 709 children will sleep better tonight and be prepared for the cold winter nights and next year’s monsoon season.

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 21

This is a remote distribution.

Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), in partnership with World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI) went back to Burgos, Ilocos Norte for the second time after about 7 years. 350 joyful and grateful children were selected from various localities with the help of local leaders and teachers from Burgos Central Elementary School. Mayor Crescente N. Garcia allowed the venue to be transfered to the town gymnasium so as not to disrupt classes in the nearby school.

We were treated by the Mayor to lunch with lechon (charcoal roasted pig), grilled fish freshly caught from the nearby sea, and a hard to find seaweed known as “gamet” which can only be found in Burgos.

Parents were very happy to see their children receiving an early Christmas gift. When the contents of the bedkits were displayed, even the teachers and other volunteers wanted to have their own bedkits! Teachers, students, a policeman, the Mayor and some local leaders had fun when our group allowed them to have their pictures taken while handing over the bedkits to the children. It was an unforgettable experience for them.

The distribution took only a little more than an hour because the recipients were well-organized and well-behaved. Special mention goes to spouses Ruben and Nona Rivera who graciously lent their air-conditioned tourist bus to transport the bedkits from Manila and provided snacks for the children. The bus will also be used for other distribution sites in the Ilocos region.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2025: November 19

Usually, a team of SCAW volunteers from Canada take the lead in the distribution process but they had to cancel their trip this time due to some unforseen events. We have teamed up remotely.

The Kiwanis Clubs of Cainta Vista Verde, Cainta Hope, Angeles City and Pasay City formed a non-stock and non-profit corporation known as World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. (WOSDI) which partnered with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). This is the second time this year that SCAW donated funds to WOSDI.

The funds donated by SCAW are used exclusively for the cost of bedkit items. SCAW believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and that a day of hope begins with a good night’s sleep. This blends perfectly well with the motto of Kiwanis which is “Serving The Children of the World”. With the guidance of SCAW, WOSDI takes care of overall planning, supervision and organization of the distribution process, including the purchase of bedkit items and selection of local coordinators for each distribution site who, in turn, identify recipients who are between 6 to 12 years old.

The first distribution site for November 2025 is in Marikina Elementary School with The Bread of Life Disciples Inc. as local coordinator. The teachers of Marikina Elementary School and members of the Philippine Coast Guard assisted WOSDI in the distribution process.

Thank you to our donors and our hard-working partners for making this remote distribution possible.

Team Philippines, 2025

World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)

SCAW Blog: Pune, 2025: November 20

Team Pune has arrived!  Unfortunately, we are a team of two due to issues getting visas for our travelling volunteers. But fortunately, we are working with a very organized and supportive group of Rotary Clubs to accomplish our mission.

We had our pre-distribution meeting with the core planning team from the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment.

Photo from left to right: Helen, Julie, Sameer, Hema, Tawhid, Rajeshree, Nitin and Pankaj.

We discussed the details of our distribution and were shown the bedkit items. New this year is a 2” foam mattress covered in durable fabric.  Later in the evening we met and shared a meal with the 10 Rotary partner clubs that work together to make this project a success.

Team Pune, 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sierra Leone, 2025: October 29

Fun on the last day! 

125 mattresses greeted us as we drove into the school we have used for the last 4 days. 

While the children were being gathered, our fearless leader was entertaining the children in somewhat of an unorthodox way  by blowing bubbles and then eating them! Imagine the look on their faces! 😝

Some children laughed but, better yet, some wanted to try it themselves. 

Once the children had all arrived the distribution ran smoothly and we completed another successful distribution. Thanks SCAW donors for your commitment to the children. 

Team Sierra Leone, 2025

Eco-Soap Bank 🇸🇱 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sierra Leone, 2025: October 28

Freetown, Sierra Leone: Street Living

The streets of Sierra Leone are different than any other country I have visited. It is just a different look, feel, energy, sound and smell.

Sierra Leoneans use the streets of their cities as their living space which includes kitchen, living area and sometimes bedroom. It is their market, place of business, place to socialize and have fun. Please look at the 2-minute slow motion street scene video and the sights will fill in the absent sounds and smells.

Other visuals: ice cream vendor selling cones for 20 cents, wood fired clothing iron in a tailor shop, a furniture maker, barber shop, belching exhausts, amazing side streets, entertaining moto-taxi signs (called Ke Keh in Sierra Leone), and (perhaps tongue in cheek) Submissive Wife Restaurant and Husband is the Head Supermarket, football practice on the beach at sunset and so much more.

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This is a fascinating country!

Team Sierra Leone, 2025

Eco-Soap Bank 🇸🇱 + SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Sierra Leone, 2025: October 27

Thank you

A simple "thank you" can change everything - it turns strangers into friends

and moments into memories.

English is spoken in Sierra Leone, and throughout the day, it rings out across our SCAW distribution.

Thank you from each of our 22 volunteers (many teachers), as we present them with a simple pin - a symbol of friendship between Canada and Sierra Leone.

Thank you from our overseas partners - this being our first SCAW distribution in Sierra Leone, they have worked tirelessly to make it the success it is.

Thank you from every child who receives a SCAW bedkit and all its treasures.

Many thank-yous from the parents and their communities. And thank you to the tailors who, in 6 weeks, made 500 sets of clothing, the backpacks, the fitted bedsheets and the pillow cases!

Thank you to our driver, who ensures we arrive safely at each distribution and back home again.

And finally, thank you to all our SCAW donors for creating so many thank-yous.

Team Sierra Leone, 2025

Eco-Soap Bank 🇸🇱 + SCAW 🇨🇦