Endy x Canadian Connections: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How We Give Back
By Bénédicte Pelletier
Nothing feels as good as giving back. For us at Endy, it’s just as important as the perfect night's sleep. Over the last decade, we’ve been privileged to help thousands of Canadians rest better by donating over 24,000 mattresses to those who need them most. This year, we wanted to take it one step further.With Canada Day just around the corner, we decided to celebrate our proudly Canadian roots by welcoming newcomers to this country. That’s why we partnered with Canadian Connections, a local organization providing low-barrier settlement to newcomers in need who are creating a new sense of home here in Canada. Our team got to roll up our sleeves and be part of the action! How Endy Supports Communities Across CanadaOver the last 10 years, our efforts have led to partnerships with organizations from all over the country, resulting in over 24,000 mattress donations to families and individuals in need.
"As a Canadian company, our mission has always been to help Canadians sleep better and make great sleep more accessible to all."
— Jason Cassidy, President of Endy
This year, we’re also making a $25,000 product donation to support Canadian Connections, an organization providing vital support to newcomers in the GTA, assisting them in navigating the many challenges of starting anew. “We’re so happy to play a very small part in helping make the homes of these newcomers a little warmer, a little more welcoming, and a little less uncertain,” adds Jason. “Getting out in the community with Canadian Connections is such a great reminder that there are more important things in life than running a business. Helping those in need with a nice new, comfortable mattress is wonderful, and I'm so glad we're doing this as a team.”Rolling Up Our SleevesBeyond making donations, we believe in getting involved and making a difference at the ground level. That’s why we decided to deliver good sleep ourselves.Staff from the Endy team personally distributed Endy mattresses to families in need, with support from Canadian Connections. From hauling mattress boxes to watching the joy as people received their new beds, every moment reinforced why this work is so meaningful.When asked about her experience, Janella, an Endy team member, shares, “Most of the time, I get a chance to talk with our customers over the phone. But to actually be there when they get these items, seeing how excited everyone is? That’s a good feeling.”Jordyn, another Endy team member, echoes the sentiment: "As someone who works behind the scenes a lot of the time, it feels really special to contribute to a local organization and meet people face to face."Ashik, also from the Endy team, highlights the value of collaborating with a partner like Canadian Connections: “Local organizations are well-positioned to help us with the specific needs of the community, especially newcomers. So, contributing to them has a direct impact.”Canadian Connections’ Mission: Creating a Sense of BelongingPeople finding refuge in a new country face countless adjustments—from navigating a new culture to finding basic necessities. Located in Toronto, Canadian Connections offers meaningful, low-barrier settlement support to newcomers when they arrive in Canada.“Our mission is to help newcomers settle in Canada and integrate into the community. We provide all types of settlement services: housing, furniture, grocery gift cards, and access to digital support so that newcomers have a feeling of belonging in Canada,” specifies Malalai, a representative from Canadian Connections.“Most newcomers have to spend their money on rent and food, and sometimes have nothing at home, no furniture. So this donation from Endy is not only providing comfort and dignity, it also allows them to redirect their limited funds to other survival needs.”Sleep is a necessity, and it’s also a form of stability. As Malalai puts it, “When you have a comfortable sleep, then you really feel it’s your home.”Welcoming Others HomeBuilding a home isn’t just about the objects inside; it’s about creating a sense of connection. A comfortable home fosters relationships, provides stability, and lays the foundation for belonging, not just in your space, but in your community.For many of us, this day had a personal meaning. “I was two when I came to Canada. So it’s nice to know that I can contribute in some sort of way to make other people’s transition to Canada a little bit smoother,” shares Janella. “I feel like being Canadian is about welcoming, but also at the same time it's about being welcome. It doesn't matter how long you've been here. You belong here.”This resonates with Ashik. “I'm an immigrant. I came here to study for my Master’s. As a newcomer, I know what challenges we face, especially with home essentials. Our university used to help us through various volunteer programs. So when Endy came up with this program, I could relate and wanted to participate. To me, being Canadian means feeling at home in a place where people from all walks of life are being welcomed and being respected.”Jordyn highlights how building a home is such an important part of someone's life. “It's really special to support and be a part of that journey, even if only a little bit. Everyone deserves to have a space in their home that's comfortable, peaceful and supportive, and I hope we've brought that to life.”
“I feel like being Canadian is about welcoming, but also at the same time it's about being welcome. It doesn't matter how long you've been here. You belong here.”
— Janella, Endy
Looking AheadAt Endy, giving back has always been woven into what we do. If you’re inspired to get involved with Canadian Connections, there are many ways to take action. As Malalai shared, “Visit canadianconnections.org and you will see the core programs we have, including our Move it! Program, where we help newcomers with furniture and other home-related things.” Your efforts can help make a difference in the lives of those finding their footing in Canada.And at Endy? We’ll keep looking for opportunities to deliver great sleep to new and existing Canadians, one mattress at a time.
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