SCAW BLOG: SIERRA LEONE, 2026: OCTOBER 22
Today was the final distribution in Sierra Leone, where we finished handing out a total of 1500 bedkits! The energy on-site from the team, volunteers, and the children was incredible today. We want to give a huge thanks to the OVPs, volunteers, principals, and teachers who volunteered their time to help make the past three days possible.
If you saw yesterday’s blog, you will remember Samuel, one of the principals that supported our team and significantly contributed to the success of all three distributions. Today we had the chance to visit his beautiful school. We were very excitedly greeted by his students, who showered us with thanks and gratitude. This visit was an amazing chance to see just how much principals like Samuel impact these children’s lives. It was also an opportunity to see the bedkit items in use, such as the backpacks, water bottles, and school supplies.
Sierra Leone has been an unforgettable experience, made even more special by an incredible team. We will cherish the memories we’ve made and the people we’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way. After a good nights rest, we look forward to a safe and smooth journey home tomorrow!
Until next time!
Team Sierra Leone, 2026
Eco-Soap Bank 🇸🇱 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SIERRA LEONE, 2026: OCTOBER 21
Today at our distribution I had the pleasure of speaking with Samuel, an active principal from one of our participating schools. He was instrumental in organizing a highly effective morning with the children. He specifically made himself available for the entire 3 days of the distributions. Fortunately many of the children today were for his school.
He is a busy man, whose commitment to education includes his public school as well as a family run, comprehensive school for pre-schoolers to high school students.
A strong believer in the power of education, Samuel spoke eloquently and passionately about the contribution every individual in Sierra Leone can strive to make no matter their ability. It all begins with education! We were pleased to present him with a Canada/Sierra Leone friendship pin. We are sure he will wear it proudly!
Team Sierra Leone, 2026
Eco-Soap Bank 🇸🇱 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: SIERRA LEONE, 2026: OCTOBER 20
Today was our team’s first distribution in Sierra Leone. On our drive to the village, we were met with some rain, but the people of Sierra Leone have a creative solution to that! Lucky for us, the skies cleared in time for us to arrive at the distribution site.
Four schools met us at the distribution site, with students already lined up and ready to go by the time we arrived! With the help of the principals, teachers, and 15 other volunteers, we were able to hand out 500 bedkits in just a couple hours.
We ended off our distribution day by visiting the cottage industry where the bedsheets included in the bedkits were sewn. It was a special chance to see a little more of the work and local craftsmanship that goes into making these bedkits possible.
And of course, Norma had to indulge in some fresh coconut water just outside the shop!
We’re already looking forward to another distribution tomorrow and can’t wait to see what the next day brings. Stay tuned for more adventures from Sierra Leone!
Team Sierra Leone, 2026
Eco-Soap Bank 🇸🇱 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER 17
THAT’S A WRAP!!
Once again our Sleeping Children donors have made 2500 children in Togo, Africa extremely happy and comfortable with their new bedkits!
But we couldn’t have done it without the AMAZING volunteers of ADES Togo. The volunteers aged 20-40 with 2 seniors were so well organized and thorough. Under the guidance of brothers Messenh and Dosseh, these volunteers exemplified what it means to give back to their country!
Over the last 5 days 30-35 excited men and women were there to help not only the SCAW team but also the children and their parents! They were kind, sympathetic and funny leading the children over to get their bedkits, playing kazoos, blowing bubbles and singing songs!
It is bittersweet to leave them and their devotion to the SCAW project. BRAVO.
Thanks to all the SCAW donors for their support and the invaluable support from ADES Togo!
Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER 17
Today was our last distribution in Togo. Our site was at the school that stored the bedkits at no cost to ADES (our overseas partners).
This school had quite a few trees that provide shade for the children. Along with the shade they provide mangoes.
Getting to each site can be a challenge at the best of times .
Our driver - Edem has been our driver, our friend and our protector. He gets us to our destination and back every day with such grace. He is a gentleman with a quiet disposition and a father of three - ages twelve, ten and three.
Driving here is an experience. Motorcycles are a major mode of transportation, but they do not use lanes. That in itself can be challenging.
We have a special thank you to our driver who has made this a safe and amazing experience.
Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER 16
Today's Team Togo blog is a special reflection on one family's journey within our broader Sleeping Children Around the World history. SCAW distributions happen through the combined efforts of our global community of volunteers, local partners and donors. Some of our supporters have been involved for generations - both as donors and as volunteers. Their stories are part of the larger story of people all coming together, across countries and across generations, to help children get a better night's sleep.
Today was a four generation Sleeping Children around the World celebration. My parents, Walter & Marian MacDougald, started bedkit donations when my kids were small and forty-five years later my grandchildren are distributing bedkits. And even more special, Jaime, my granddaughter is on our team in Togo and Sierra Leone.
My dad flew during WW2 on a RAF crew in South Asia and kept a picture of some children as a reminder of the need to support those less fortunate globally as well as locally – thus the longtime connection to SCAW.
Photo my dad kept as a reminder
When I became a traveling volunteer 20 years ago, my parents were thrilled and started an annual donation of enough bedkits to match the number of children in our family. At the time of our last group photo in 2016 that number was over sixty!
This year to celebrate their family legacy we donated 72 bedkits and had such fun with the group photo and with Jaime and me handing out bedkits to all the children.
Walter and Marian would be so proud of Jaime!
Doug MacDougald for Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: GUATEMALA, 2026: OCTOBER 15
The Final Distribution Day
Today the team left at 6 am to make the journey by bus over bumpy dirt roads to our final distribution at a community school in the remote village of Pumac. This distribution of 723 bedkits only works with the cooperation of the school staff and volunteers. The team of young volunteers from Seed travelled by bus and assisted in organizing and carrying out the distribution.
These volunteers anticipate what is needed and jump right in. It is amazing how the SCAW team with a little bit of Spanish and lots of gestures can communicate.
Today the team worked through a difficult situation where some components of certain bedkits had not been taken off the truck during the delivery to the community. Fortunately they were located and will be given to the children by Noe and his team.
The team visited two modest homes of bedkit recipients.
One interesting component of these homes was the loft for drying corn. Corn is the basis of their diet with corn tortillas eaten three times a day. To reach the loft they constructed a traditional Mayan ladder.
In total, during our time here there were 4000 bedkits delivered and our team will sleep well, knowing that 4000 more children have a chance to have a good night’s sleep. Thanks to our volunteers, our partners and our donors.
Team Guatemala, 2026
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER 14
After a scenic drive through the countryside, Team Togo was met at the village of Hahotoe by a cheering crowd of children, parents and school staff. A band led the full gathering with rousing music, dance and song.
Five hundred bedkits were successfully distributed to three schools of appreciative students. Two parents and their children individually discussed their thoughts and opinions of what it meant to receive the bedkits. Both were filled with gratitude and awe at the generosity of the Canadian donors.
The day finished with a meaningful visit to a last year's bedkit recipient's family home. The school principal led our team through the village on his motorcycle to the village that he serves.
There are 1000 people in this village where we met a family with numerous generations and extended family. The mothers, grandmother and children showed us their beds and materials such as notebooks from last year's kits. Everything was well loved and stood up to regular use.
Kind words and thanks were shared by all of the family members, OVP representatives and the SCAW team.
It was a superlative day!
Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: GUATEMALA, 2026: OCTOBER 13
During our time here, I have noticed how vibrant the community is. We have been invited to a party to celebrate the opening of the Main Street that has been under construction for over a year. We have experienced fireworks for the celebration of All Saints Day, there has been a parade of the Church statues, and a 40 km bike race to raise funds for a road safety Initiative for children. We also shared the facility with children practicing chess.
This area of Guatemala is primarily inhabited by Mayan people who speak Poqomchi, one of the 21 dialects of the Mayans of Guatemala. Many of the parents sign for their child’s registration for a bedkit with a thumb print. The small children often spend their first year of school with a teacher who can speak their language and gradually introduce Spanish. Coming to the big community centre with hundreds of strange people was a challenge for parents and children alike. Having their picture taken was a novelty for many.
Many mothers waiting for their child to receive the bedkit carried their babies in a traditional wrap. We rarely heard any crying! The mothers are very gentle and calm with their children. Although the women are often short, they can carry the heavy bedkit on their head with a baby on their back and walk away smiling.
Teachers accompany their students to the distribution. On Sunday, the principal and all the teachers travelled two hours each way to assist their students. What dedication!
Team Guatemala, 2026
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER 13
500 children, 500 bedkits and one incredible day in Togo.🇹🇬
Today we had the privilege of giving 500 children their very own bedkit on behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World.
Seeing their faces light up as they received the items many of us take for granted was a powerful reminder of how much the simplest essentials can mean — a place to sleep, protection, clothing, and the tools to learn.
Each child received:
🛏️ Mattress with thick protective plastic
🛌 Bedding sheet
🦟 Mosquito net
🎒 School backpack
📓 School notebooks
📐 Geometry set
✍️ Writing board
👕 Girls: skirt + T-shirt
👕 Boys: shorts + T-shirt
🧵 Fabric for a school uniform
Day 1 complete. 500 children today and 2,000 more smiles to go🇹🇬. Behind every number is a child, a family, and a story. ❤️
Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: GUATEMALA, 2026: OCTOBER 12
The geography of Guatemala is very mountainous and travel can be a challenge for many people as they do not have personal transportation. After landing in Guatemala City our team of 6 flew on 2 small planes to the city of Coban which took 40 minutes followed by a 45 minute drive to San Cristobal. The other option would be to drive from Guatemala City to San Cristobal which is about 10 hours on a good day.
San Cristobal is the primary site of our bedkit distribution and is comprised of approximately 60,000 residents. Most of the streets are quite hilly.
Some of the children receiving a bedkit travel as far as 2 hours to San Cristobal via municipal bus. They then travel home with their bedkit and a parent either by bus or arrange a ride with neighbours and then walk a distance to their home.
Although we are near the end of their rainy season it is quite cool in the morning and at night. The hooded sweatsuit the children receive as part of the bedkit helps keep them warm and provides full cover to protect them from mosquitoes. The mosquito net in their bedkit will help protect them from Dengue fever. As we walk around town we often see children wearing their new sweatsuits.
Team Guatemala, 2026
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER, 12
The SCAW team wrapped up our first day with distribution prep. This included a visit with the OVP team showing us the items in the bedkit and what was different from last year and what was new this year!
It also included the changing of money with Kokou who has helped the SCAW team 15 years ago and is still present. He exchanged our team’s money during the pre-distribution meeting.
Next, the money for this week’s expenses was handed off to the team “banker.'“ Jaime, being a recent grad going into accounting chose to be the banker. And to finish up the day we ended at the beach!
But the bonus of the day was when we spotted a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey on a passerby. Of course we had to stop and get a photo with him! We finished our visit with him by giving him a Canada pin!
Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: TOGO, 2026: OCTOBER 12
So after a LONG journey the Canadian team of 6 has arrived in Togo, Africa and boy was it worth it!
Yes - even one of the Team Leaders had to take advantage of catching up on his sleep in the Brussels airport! Too bad he didn't have a bedkit!
The greetings we received from members of ADES Togo were unsurpassed and it was as thrilling to see our OVPs as it was for them to see us!
Pictured here is a weary SCAW team as well as the driver - Edem and members of our OVPs including Doseeh, his brother Messenh - his Wife Frida, their shy 2 year old, their mother Afi along with Victoire and Denis.
Once we were settled with our cases of water we were able to get some well deserved sleep.
Stay tuned for our preview of this year’s bedkit which will be given to 2500 children in Togo over the next 5 days!
Team Togo, 2026
ADES Togo 🇹🇬 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: GUATEMALA, 2026: OCT. 11
We finished our third day of distributions at San Cristobal, Guatemala. Five hundred and ninety-one bedkits were given out to children in record time in a smooth and efficient manner.
This would not have been possible without the tremendous help of the volunteers. These kids were from fifteen to eighteen, and were energetic and quick to learn their assigned duties.
Our Volunteers
They helped with everything from administration, handing out the clothing for the children to dress in, assisting children when needed, getting school supplies into their backpacks, getting them into the right position for picture taking, assisting handing over bedkits and finally, making sure the child connected with the right parent or guardian. This area is of great importance and it was most beneficial that the volunteers spoke Spanish and were able to communicate with the children and able to pronounce their names correctly when calling for the parents.
Lining up for picture taking
Assigning changing rooms
Parents/Guardians lined up to get their child
As you can see, to get a child in and out takes many hands and a special thank you goes out to Noe (our guide) for getting alĺ the volunteers (approximately 60 over the course of the distribution period) and being at our beck and call both before the SCAW team arrived and ever since.
Our many blessings to each and every one of them.
Team Guatemala, 2026
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: GUATEMALA, 2026: October 10
Wow! We were so impressed to see the young volunteers all set up and we had a steady flow of excited children and their teachers all day.
Each child received a track suit, girls in hot pink and boys in navy or grey. It was a real pleasure to see the pride of the boys and girls as they realized that they now had a hoodie, something warm to wear on the cold mountain nights.
The mosquito nets were well received as the beautiful untouched forests guaranteed mosquitos from dusk to dawn. There were three lined notebooks, a number of pencils and a pencil sharpener, and a pen that we squeezed into their pink or blue backpacks, along with a grey blanket. Each large, thick mattress had a colourful printed exterior and was luckily tucked into a waterproof reusable bag.
Luckily, because this afternoon we had a torrential downpour that was so heavy and prolonged that the community centre in the large municipal office building we were in had water quickly oozing in under each door and some windows. We had to quickly adapt our process to keep the waiting parents and siblings dry.
It was amazing to see the mothers, some carrying a younger sibling, take the huge mattress onto their heads and leave with their happy children.
Team Guatemala, 2026
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: guatemala, 2026: October 9
The SCAW team received a warm welcome to San Cristobal today. We were greeted by hundreds of excited children waving blue, white and red balloons representing the Guatemalan and Canadian flags.
This was followed by live music, a performance of traditional dance, singing of the Guatemalan and Canadian national anthems and listening to endearing words from the town's mayor and the Minister of Education for the municipality.
It was a wonderful first day - particularly for the 310 children who received a bedkit. Details to follow tomorrow about the bedkit contents.
Team Guatemala, 2026
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: RWANDA, 2026: SEPTEMBER 5
Today was our last distribution in Rwanda. There was no long drive through the countryside today as the site was close by in Kigali. As always, there were many happy children giving lots and lots of hugs. You never tire of the hugs. It always amazes me how well-behaved and patient the children are, especially as they often have a long wait in the hot sun.
Today I am reminded that kids are kids no matter where they are in the world. I saw girls walking hand in hand and giggling as they shared a secret. Boys gathered under a tree perhaps talking football. A little one was drawing in the dirt with a stick not far from a watchful mama. A scared little one was being comforted by another child in line. An older boy was helping a little guy get ready for the photo. There was the usual jostling to be at the front of the line. I saw desk graffiti.
Some in the world have so much and some so very little but all children are the same and deserve a good night's sleep so they can wake to the challenges of a new day.
5000 bedkits delivered. Mission accomplished. Thank you to all who have helped and a special thank you to our donors.
Team Rwanda, 2026
Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga 🇷🇼 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: RWANDA, 2026: September 4
Today we had an early start. The alarm was set for 0515 hrs in order to breakfast at 0600 hrs. This allowed us to get on the road by 0700 hrs. We headed out to an industrial economic zone in the city of Kigali where we visited a major factory that employs 180 persons in the manufacture of mattresses. We were given a tour by the Chief Operating Officer of the company. This factory is the manufacturer of the mattresses that are being given out during this bedkit distribution.
The process was explained and we were able to follow the entire production line. The process is highly automated but there is still a significant role played by skilled workers to complete the mattresses.
The foam interiors are produced by the mixing of various components that are sourced from China and South Korea.
The colourful fabrics that cover the mattresses are also sourced from China.
The company has operations in three countries in Africa and has a wide range of products.
While we were at the factory we witnessed the mattresses destined for distribution today being loaded onto transport vehicles. These mattresses were delivered just prior to our scheduled start time.
When we arrived at the distribution site, the only entrance to the school complex was blocked by the delivery van!
The factory was a model enterprise and has manufactured mattresses for SCAW distributions for a number of years.
The mattresses are a key element in the bedkit and many children prior to receiving a bedkit sleep on the ground or on the floor. This mattress with the mosquito net which is also a key component of the bedkit are instrumental in helping children achieve a good night’s sleep.
Once the distribution got underway there were almost five hundred children who received a bedkit thanks to the generosity of the donors.
To end the day, we visited another manufacturing business. This time it was a much smaller operation that featured skilled workers who sewed together the back packs that form part of the bedkit.
A donation made to SCAW, goes 100 % to paying for bedkits for the children but also provides employment for local individuals in the country of distribution. The gift of the donation of a bedkit has a ripple effect within the community. Every donation makes a difference and a significant contribution to the well-being of the children of Rwanda.
Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
Team Rwanda, 2026
Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga 🇷🇼 + SCAW 🇨🇦
scaw BLOG: RWANDA, 2026: SEPTEMBER 3
Our group of six set out this morning for the 8th day of our distributions and our second day in the Ngoma district.
We drove through such a beautiful part of Rwanda. At one point there was a lake on either side of us. We passed rice fields and saw men in small dugout kayak-like boats navigating through the water. Then we were driving through an area of banana trees, and saw countless bicycles carrying what looked like 200-300 lbs. of bananas on the back!
When we arrived a large happy group was waiting for us, with the children already lined up and ready to receive their bedkits. We took a few minutes to scout out the area and were so pleased with the thoughtful setup the Rotarians had planned .The flow was smooth and the children had minimal exposure to the sun while they waited.
A local dignitary welcomed the crowd, followed by an introduction from the Rotary Club. The bedkit was held high for an enthusiastic crowd to see. The shorts and T-shirt received the biggest applause!
We got things started and the day went smoothly.There are always a few small glitches, but even those became opportunities to spend more time with the children - so really, it was a win-win.
Our final bedkit was handed out after an interview with a very appreciative mother who spoke to us proudly in her best English. Her gratitude touched all of us.
As we loaded back into our van our hearts were filled with happiness. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to deliver SCAW bedkits to the beautiful, deserving children of Rwanda.❤️🇷🇼
Team Rwanda, 2026
Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga 🇷🇼 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: RWANDA, 2026: SEPTEMBER 2
You may get asked why you do what you. In the case of Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), it is a very good question. Most members of society fully realize that the need to help those that have little to nothing around the globe is immense as the need for food, shelter, education, infrastructure, etc. remains, unfortunately, very high for many and those numbers are growing.
There are different charities and non-governmental organizations that try and address the various shortcomings that exist around the world and SCAW is one of them. When we go on distributions and meet the people that benefit from receiving a bedkit, visit their homes and meet the families, we see their very positive reactions to receiving such an amazing gift.
Prior to the actual start of a distribution on site, we speak to the assembled families who are waiting to receive their bedkit and show them each item that the bedkit contains. This is our seventh day and it is very interesting to see which items receive the biggest reaction from the families. In some districts it is the mosquito net and mattress, in others it is the school supplies and yet in others it is the clothing. The reaction reflects the local need. In all sites, the whole bedkit is fully appreciated.
At a site where only some families get a bedkit and others do not who have just as big a need, you wonder, what difference does this make? It’s kind of like this little story that I heard once which explains it well.
There was a person observed running on the beach who, now and then, would stoop down, pick up something and throw it in the water. As he came closer, the observer noted that the man was picking up a starfish and throwing it back in the water. As he came near, the observer asked why he was picking up a starfish and throwing it in the water when there were so many lying on the beach all around them. He asked, “What difference does it make?” The man picked up another starfish and threw it in the water and said, “It makes a difference to this one!” and kept on running. Much like the starfish thrower, that is what we at SCAW do.
We can’t help everyone, as much as we would like to. However, we do provide opportunities around the world for children and their families to experience the many benefits from a good night’s sleep. On our distribution in Rwanda, we have distributed 3,500 bedkits to date. As an organization and since its inception, SCAW is approaching the 2,000,000th bedkit given to a child over the last 56 years. It has made a difference to these children and their families over the years.
For the Children,
Team Rwanda, 2026
Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga 🇷🇼 + SCAW 🇨🇦