SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 18
Today marked our final distribution in Nairobi, where 1,000 children received bedkits - and shared bright smiles as they did.
Every child deserves a safe place to rest. A SCAW bedkit is more than a bed; it provides dignity, comfort, and the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Tonight, 1,000 children will sleep more safely because of our SCAW donors.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 16
After a 6.5-hour journey to Narok, six schools gathered as the sky opened and sunlight poured down on us, when we prepared to distribute bedkits to the children.
100% of the children were Maasai, including several blind students. We interviewed eight Maasai mothers who had received kits in 2025, listening to stories of how these simple items have already changed daily life.
The mattresses were especially loved—many children had previously slept on animal skins or directly on the ground. The mosquito nets were also warmly received, with families sharing that multiple members would sleep together under a single net for protection.
I was supported by a true teenage dream team, who helped distribute 1,000 bedkits. Throughout the day, we sang, laughed, shared stories, and stayed together from start to finish—turning a long distribution into a joyful, unified experience.
To close the day, we were deeply honored when the older students blessed us with a traditional Maasai song and dance. They gifted us beautiful hand-crafted bracelets and traditional Maasai blankets, a gesture of gratitude that was both humbling and moving.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 14
Today, the SCAW Team travelled to Mavoloni, Kaloleini Primary School, where we distributed 500 bedkits across five different schools. The SCAW team, along with Rotary members and school officials, were warmly welcomed by the beautiful children, who greeted us with joyful singing and cheering.
The boys and girls from the host school presented each team member with a beaded bracelet in the colours of Kenya, lovingly personalized with our names. Kaloleini Primary School has a total of 428 students, including 60 children living with special needs. Some of these students board at the school due to the daily challenges they face.
The students work together to grow herbs and vegetables, helping to provide meals for the school community. The distribution was a wonderful success. Teachers, Rotarians, the SCAW team, and the children worked side-by-side with mutual respect, making it a truly special day.
To conclude our visit, the group planted three mango trees on the school grounds — a lasting symbol of growth and partnership.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 13
Today we drove north 70 km from our home base in Nairobi. Our team worked together to set up for our 500 bedkit distribution. Prior to the distribution we witnessed a truly heart-felt presentation by recipients of the bedkits that truly touched on what SCAW is all about.
A team member had the privilege to speak to a young boy and father about the bedkit items and the boys aspirations of becoming a priest. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the help of our OVPs and volunteers this boy may be one step closer to making his aspirations a reality.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 11
Today we began our journey back to Nairobi and distributed 1,000 bedkits at a local school. We interviewed a 10-year-old girl whose dream is to become a doctor. Her father shared that he believes the bedkit will help her achieve her dreams.
For lunch, we enjoyed a traditional Kenyan dish called mukimo. It was delicious.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 10
We were on the leeward side of Mount Kenya, where 25 schools gathered with 40 students from each school. We were welcomed by the hosting school with an incredible song and dance that set the tone for the day.
Everyone came together for another successful distribution, and the way the older and younger children worked together through the buddy system was truly impressive. It was a powerful example of teamwork and community.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026: February 9
Today, the SCAW travel team journeyed about six hours outside of Nairobi, where we distributed 1,000 bedkits to 15 schools across the region. Many of the children face significant challenges, making the experience especially meaningful.
Before the distribution began, the children proudly sang their national anthem, followed by our team singing the Canadian national anthem. A local Bishop joined us and had everyone dancing and singing together.
The joy was undeniable—there were smiles everywhere.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Kenya, 2026, February 7
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Today marked our first distribution, a day that embodied Maya Angelou’s words.
In Kenya, it began with a flight to Mombasa, where we distributed 1,000 bedkits to deserving new SCAW children. From the very start, there was a beautiful, gentle spirit surrounding the distribution. It was made even more meaningful by the incredible helpers who supported the children - and our team - with such kindness and care.
As we returned to Nairobi later that day, each of us reflected on the warmth, grace, and quiet joy that encompassed this special experience, knowing it was the feeling of the day that would linger long after the journey ended.
Team Kenya, 2026
Rotary Club of Nairobi 🇰🇪+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: February 6
Today was Day 6 of the Chennai 2026 bedkit distribution. There were 1,000 very excited and happy children receiving bedkits with many proud parents and grandparents looking on.
The distribution went smoothly with the help of many high school and Rotarian volunteers. This is how you move 1,000 bedkits efficiently!
Many thanks to all our donors, OVPs and volunteers who make these distributions possible.
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: February 5
A truly amazing effort was put forth by the local Rotarians of Petrambalur Region (Trichy), the numerous College student volunteers, the overseeing Rotary Club of Ambattur and SCAW team volunteers. The local Trichy College of Sri Ramakrisna hosted today's 600 bedkit Distribution.
Rotary Past District 3000 Governor Zammeer Basha deserves credit for creating a unique yet humorous portmanteau when he characterized the effort of the rotarians, volunteers and SCAW team as "Scawsome" making a play on combining the word awesome with the acronym SCAW.
We all are pleased to be a part of making a difference for 600 families today.
The children recipients had a “Scawsome” day! We hope our donors have a “Scawsome” day as well.
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: February 3
Today’s distribution was in Trichy, 394 km south of Chennai.
607 beautiful children including 23 special children who were deaf and mute received bedkits.
Once again, volunteers and Rotarians made a huge contribution to the success of today’s distribution in a well planned site.
Thank you to our donors and a huge thank you to our partners and volunteers. 607 children will sleep better tonight!
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: February 2
Today was another successful distribution day!
The open air facility was hosted by a private K to Grade 12 school. The children receiving their donated bedkit gifts were all transported from nearby schools. Additional secondary student and rotarian volunteers allowed for a smooth handover of more than 600 bedkits.
There were lots of happy faces and smiles today. At the photography station a Rotarian encouraged the children to smile by having them in unison speak out loud the letter of the alphabet after B. I let them know by saying 'C.' Their faces made a good smile for the picture and they were also learning to speak Spanish at the same time!
Thanks again to our donors and volunteers for bringing smiles to the faces of these children.
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: January 30
Our 3rd distribution in Puducherry brought smiles to the faces of 806 happy, excited children who received bedkits made possible by the incredible generosity of donors from Canada 🇨🇦💙
This successful distribution was achieved in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ambattur and the Rotary Club of Pondicherry Midtown, along with the dedication of many hardworking volunteers. Thanks to all for their hard work.
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: January 28
On the second day of the Chennai 2026 distribution, made possible by the incredible generosity of our donors, we were able to distribute 622 bed kits in T. Nagar. With the selfless support of volunteers from various high schools and dedicated Rotary members, the day unfolded smoothly and beautifully.
Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and spending time with so many precious children was deeply moving and truly unforgettable.
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Chennai, 2026: January 27
Today was the first distribution day at a school location in Avadi, 40 minutes outside of Chennai.
Many volunteers made the workload lighter for our team of three. There was an easy flow of 437 students who received a bedkit today.
A standout moment for the day was the 10 special needs' students who cheerfully received a bedkit from Canadian donors. Many thanks to our donors.
Team Chennai, 2026
Rotary Club of Ambattur 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦
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.
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.
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 🇨🇦