AS Guyana’s leading producer of foam mattresses and foam sheets continues its humanitarian mission of feeding and bringing cheer to the less fortunate children, the company yesterday held the first of three gala Christmas parties for 500 deserving children in three coastal regions of Guyana.

Comfort Sleep’s first party was held at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre in Carmichael Street, Georgetown, and catered cumulatively for 90 children living at the centre and those visiting for therapy, as well as parents/guardians accompanying them. Such parties have been held annually by Comfort Sleep for the last six years.

The kids, ranging in age from approximately two to about 14, some in wheelchairs, others lifted in arms, had a fun time in the Christmassy atmosphere of love and camaraderie. Along with appropriate Christmas music for the children, there were goodies, and lots to eat and drink.

And, of course, there was Santa Claus distributing gifts, and treating the kids to his merry laughter: “Ho, Ho, Ho!”  The children took photos with Santa Claus, their families, Managing Director of Comfort Sleep, Mr. Dennis Charran, and staff at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

Despite the downpour of rain, which caused a slight disruption, the party went on and the children had a good time.

In addition to lots of goodies and ice cream — individual gifts from Santa — the children were also given take away party bags, all with the compliments of Comfort Sleep. Parents and staff at the Centre also expressed gratitude to Comfort Sleep for the benevolent gesture of caring, sharing and bringing joy to the children.

Children with disabilities need special care and attention, and an outpouring of love. But many times because of the demands of life, parents try to eke out a living, and children do not get as much attention as they need.

The party hosted by Comfort Sleep provided the ideal opportunity for parents, along with donor staff, staff of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre to greet, mingle with, and embrace the children as part of one big happy family.

At the party, Mr. Dennis Charran briefly addressed the gathering, extending Christmas greetings and describing the great joy it brings him to be able to make the less fortunate children happy by catering to their diverse needs as best he could.

Comfort Sleep has enjoyed amicable relations with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre for the last 15/16 years. The company continues to make, on request, regular donations of foodstuff, sleep wear, pampers, and any other items needed.  Additionally, the company donates to the institution’s Easter activity and other fun days.

Comfort Sleep’s second Christmas party will be held on December 17 at Malgre Tout Roman Catholic Church, West Coast Demerara, where 250 children who benefit from the company’s feeding  programme will be feted.

With supplies provided by Comfort Sleep, meals are prepared by the Malgre Tout Roman Catholic Church and distributed to 70 children from Malgre Tout Primary; 50 from La Grange Primary; 45 from Bagotville Primary and 85 from Parfait Harmonie Primary Schools.
The Christmas parties are an annual feature and Comfort Sleep provides transportation for the children – to and from the party; food, drink, gifts and ice-cream, as well as take away bags.

Meanwhile, the third Christmas party, slated for Thursday December 20, will be held at the Church of the Ascension in New Amsterdam and is for Edinburgh Primary School, and Friends Primary School, East Bank Berbice, where 60 children will be feted. The fun begins at 11:00 hrs and follows a pattern similar to those at Ptolemy Reid’s and Malgre Tout. The party will be done through the Church of the Ascension in New Amsterdam.
ComfortSleep has, for the last three and a half years, been having a 3-day-per-week feeding programme for these schools through the Church of the Ascension, New Amsterdam (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays). Hot nutritious lunches along with a beverage are prepared at the Church of the Ascension and taken to Edinburgh Primary School and Friends Primary School for the children.  The quality of meals is the same for all schools benefiting from the feeding programme.

Similarly, during the August holidays, Comfort Sleep prepares hampers for 60 children to take home.

Aside from the Christmas parties and distribution of take-home hampers during the August holidays, other humanitarian acts undertaken by Comfort Sleep include ‘The spreading of Easter Joy’ with children from the following organisations:
*   St. John’s Basco Orphanage, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara
*   Edinburgh Primary School, Berbice
*   Friends Primary School, Berbice
*   La Grange Primary School, West Bank Demerara
*   Bagotville Primary School, West Bank Demerara
*   Malgre Tout Primary School, West Bank Demerara
*   Parfait Harmonie Primary School
*   Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Georgetown, and the Ruimveldt Children’s
Home.
Mr. Dennis Charran, whose brainchild the initiative was, continues to finance the project wholly and solely. Charran is a father of three, and has a great love for little children.  He said if he had to give his last dime to save the life of a child, or prevent that child from going to bed on an empty stomach, he would not hesitate.

Asked how he felt at the party, the Comfort Sleep Managing Director replied, “I feel terrific, just being able to make the difference in a child’s life.” He recalled he was motivated to begin his feeding programme  when, one day, he gave a meal to a child and the little boy divided it in two and said he was taking the other portion for his brother at home, who had nothing to eat.

Charran expressed gratitude to all his loyal customers for their support throughout the years, and urged that they continue supporting Comfort Sleep.  He said that without his loyal customers’ support, events for the less fortunate would not have been possible.
“Just remember that each time you purchase a Comfort Sleep product, whether it is a mattress or ‘Pink’ foam sheet, you are helping to feed a hungry child, since a part of every dollar you spend with us goes towards sustaining our feeding programmes, Christmas parties and other activities for children.

“Your contribution goes a long way in helping the needy,” he disclosed
And in concluding, Charran extends to all greetings for a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year from the management and staff of Comfort Sleep.