In response to the devastation in Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, bedding industry non-profit WorldBed is providing donated emergency beds. In the aftermath of tragic events around the world, many people remain in desperate need of shelter. Millions are sleeping on the ground in disaster areas. These displaced individuals can only dream of finding comfort and a better night’s sleep.

In partnership with WorldBed, the non-profit disaster relief organizations Hope Force International and Giving Children Hope will distribute water-resistant, cot-sized WorldBeds to temporary shelters, medical facilities and other places where beds are needed. It is estimated that nearly 500,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

“Members of the industry are seeking a way to give substantial help to the survivors, and WorldBed will provide direct relief to those who are without a place to sleep,” said WorldBed Executive Director Laura Castro. “Rest and sleep are essential for the health and recovery of people hit by this kind of catastrophe.”

Two of the first major donors to get involved were specialty sleep retailers Ergo Customized Comfort and Relax the Back. Both stepped up to offer an entire pallet of WorldBeds, each totaling 100 beds.

Ashley Furniture Homestores of Kearney and Grand Island, Nebraska, will match donations of WorldBed, in addition to giving a $38 gift card to every customer who donates a WorldBed. IntoBedWeGo will donate a WorldBed for each bed they sell.

Ergo is committed to providing assistance in the form of an “Emergency Field Bed,” which was specially created to provide comfort, safety and a more sanitary place to sleep.

“We are grateful to WorldBed for providing this channel for us to give comfort and care to the survivors in their grave time of need, ” said Michael Nermon, owner and founder of Ergo Customized Comfort. \”We hope it will give victims strength and hope to have a bed to sleep on as they pick up the pieces of their lives.”

The Emergency Field Beds are designed to match the needs of the people in disaster situations, who are often forced to move around to different shelters. Built with high-quality three-inch foam, medical-grade cover material, this comfortable, lightweight mattress pad bed can be easily rolled, secured, and carried over one’s shoulder when relocation is necessary.

Unique to this particular version of the Emergency Field Bed is the moisture-resistant cover, created in response to Haiti’s approaching rainy season. Beause the ability to respond rapidly is absolutely critical, Emergency Field Beds also come in compressed packaging.

The donated beds are scheduled for pick-up and have received approval from international authorities to accept the delivery in Japan. According to responders on the ground in Sendai, the hardest-hit region, WorldBeds are high on the list for priority delivery. In fact, WorldBeds are already being used in Japan by relief workers.

WorldBed has created a special fund in which all donations will be dedicated to the Japan relief effort. WorldBed also will accept donations through the Specialty Sleep Association http://www.sleepinformation.org/ . To learn more or donate, visit: http://worldbed.org/comfort-joy/

Author Bio: Michael Nermon is President of Ergo Comfort, an Orange County-based bedding and mattress retailer located in Irvine, CA. To learn more, visit ErgoComfort.com.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Ergo Comfort, bedding, WorldBed, mattress, Japan, disaster, rest, sleeping, Specialty Sleep Assoc.