On a sunny Thursday in July, a Mill Creek truck pulled to a stop outside an eight-story apartment building in Kitchener. Inside were 56 beds sets consisting of a box spring and mattress collected and distributed by Sleep Country Canada destined for Waterloo Region Housing.
As the driver stepped out of the cab, 16 blue-shirted teens surrounded the truck. Members of the Waterloo Region Housing YouthForce, the teens, work during the Summer to maintain and inspect community housing. They were eager to begin to unload the 44 of the bed sets (88 pieces) into the building. It wasn’t a small job. The 53′ trailer was full from front to back, and the beds nearly reached the ceiling. Undeterred, the YouthForce got to work with smiles on their faces and mattresses in hand and unloaded the freight in less than two hours.
The project to supply beds for residents living at Waterloo Region Housing facilities and was coordinated by Frank Curnew of United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Curnew knew that Sleep Country Canada could provide the needed beds via their Bed Donation Program. “I knew that Mill Creek is involved in other charities in the area,” said Curnew. He contacted Mill Creek to provide transportation from the warehouse in London, On to the delivery points in Kitchener and Cambridge.
Mill Creek Motor Freight was happy to help. As transportation professionals in the Waterloo Region, we are proud to offer our time, expertise and equipment to make a positive impact. On this sunny day, the laughter of teens joking with our driver while working to better their neighbourhood reminds us of the value and power of community.
Thanks to the Waterloo Region YouthForce,?Anita Sharratt-Geddes, Frank Curnew and driver Brian Deschamps.