Commitment to charity has long been a key component of what makes the mattress industry special. Many bedding companies — retailers and manufacturers alike — have built programs around these important causes that help bring attention to important issues.
Integrating a charitable program into your brand strategy is a win for everyone involved. However, for those in the industry who do not have a charitable component, there are several companies you can look to for inspiration.
Bedgear is one of them, as it provides an interesting program that not only supports a great cause but also helps retailers in the process. Since 2022, Bedgear has had a multifaceted partnership with the American Cancer Society aimed at providing comfort and support to those facing cancer.
During the month of October, specifically, Bedgear donated one Seatbelt Pillow to the ACS for every pillow fitting completed in retail stores. No purchase was necessary.
“For 2024, Bedgear had 1,250 total fittings at 75 different retail locations,” says Jonah Nelson, director of brand experience. “Therefore, we donated a total of 1,250 Seatbelt Pillows, which were sent to 25 American Cancer Society Hope Lodges across the country. These are communities that offer a home away from home for people facing cancer and their caregivers when cancer treatment is too far away.”
The Seatbelt Pillow has been specifically designed to provide support and protection to individuals who have undergone mastectomies, heart surgery or procedures located on their chest, helping alleviate discomfort caused by typical seat belt restraints when traveling by car.
“Our hope in creating the Seatbelt Pillows was to make those car rides during and after treatment safe and comfortable for patients and survivors,” Nelson says. “We are honored to continue to help to make an impact and fund the fight against cancer with these pillows.”
Additionally, during the month of October, Bedgear donates 5% of all pillow sales on Bedgear.com to the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Research Fund. It also has a year-round initiative where it donates 5% from the sale of each Seatbelt Pillow to benefit critical cancer research done by the ACS.
“Over the last few years, Bedgear has also donated hundreds of Seatbelt Pillows to the Survivor Tents at Making Strides Against Cancer Walks in New York, which provide the opportunity to celebrate and gift cancer survivors and their friends and families,” Nelson says. “We have also continued to support and fundraise for City Furniture’s Breast Cancer Campaign during the month of October as a Pink Pumpkin partner.”
If you would like your company’s charity initiatives covered in Bedding News Now, reach out to alex@homenewsnow.com.
