Dawn Gillespie does a wonderful thing: she furnishes rooms for children from poor families.
Why does she do it?
“We believe every child deserves to live in a calm, attractive space and to sleep in a warm, comfortable bed.”
Dawn started this in 2012, after she retired.
“I remembered so many children I had worked with as an educator who had very little in the way of material goods. As both a teacher and an administrator, my favourite schools were always in ‘priority neighbourhoods’.
“At the same time, my friends and I began facing the life changes that involved cleaning out the home or apartment of a parent or other loved one who had moved to a care facility or had passed away. So much beautiful wood furniture that does not suit a young person’s taste these days. I began to wonder why there was not some way to get that unwanted furniture to those who really needed it.”
Dawn took a course which required her to create a project. Room For A Child was born.
She makes no money from it. Helping children and families in need is the goal.
She has helped many families over the years.
We recently met Dawn and her husband when we donated furniture to Room For A Child. We were immediately intrigued by the fact of this one woman, helped by her husband, quietly securing furniture so a child can have a bed, a dresser, a desk.
“In my first installation, I went 3 times to patch and sand drywall before we could paint. Two little boys had requested blue paint. When it was done, they came in from school. They were silent, big eyes looking at the walls, walking slowly and stroking the walls like they were fine fabric. Then one said reverently ‘Oh mummy. It’s so pretty!’ “
**Do have a look at these Before and After photos of the rooms she has furnished for children:
http://roomforachild.ca/before-after/
Dawn holds the occasional fundraiser to finance her work. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to promote it in October – my computer crashed, taking the very nice draft-post with it, and my body followed suit. I hope Dawn will forgive me for being late, and I hope my mother was right when she said “better late than never”.
If you or someone you know lives in the Greater Toronto area and have furniture to donate – please contact Dawn via her website : http://roomforachild.ca/contact-us/
Or Phone: 647-993-1653
Brava, Dawn, and best wishes.
Cynthia Reyes 
What a wonderful project. Kudos to Dawn and thanks for sharing Cynthia. Maybe more people and cities will start similar programs.
Brad, I’m so glad to share. Thanks for your kind comment.
my pleasure Cynthia.
That is awesome
Thank you.
You’re welcome
Such a sweet idea, just lovely, Best of luck in this venture to Dawn,
Thank you. She could use the luck — to continue the good work.
I love hearing about people like Dawn Gillespie.
Me too, Diane. Quietly, surely, going about the good work for those who need their help.
What a wonderful organization. Everyone needs and deserves a comfortable bed. I will share the site.
Thank you, Donna. I’m grateful.
I am so glad you posted this Cynthia. Looking at the before and after photos of these childrens’ bedrooms brought a lump to my throat. Dawn is a very noble lady.
She is. It’s such a terrific thing to do, Clare.
🙂
Thanks to Dawn (and others like her) who spend their time helping children. I am involved in an agency who helps homeless women and children so this touched me. Thanks for sharing, Cynthia
I’m glad it touched you and that you’re involved with such an agency, Geralyn. That’s important work.
Thank you for sharing Dawn’s work, this was quite moving and makes me realise how much can be achieved with a good heart and willing hands. Dawn is an inspiring woman, what a wonderful project.
Indeed, Julie. Someone on my Facebook page replied: We are God’s hands.
Lovely idea!
For sure, Helen.
What a great story to pass along to us! I love that Dawn manages to do so much with so little!
It’s remarkable, isn’t it?
What a lovely story.Dawn is one of those people that bring light into the world by simply ‘doing something’! Thank you for sharing Cynthia! Have agreat weekend, Johanna
So true, Johanna. A great weekend to you too.
What a great idea that brings happiness to children !
Isn’t it, though? Good on Dawn.
That is wonderful! Good job!!
“Good job” to Dawn, indeed, Patrick.
🙂
What a brilliant project for all concerned.
Indeed!
It’s always great to hear of people helping people but this time especially so. She’s an angel.
Well said, Alan. (Or is it spelled Allen?) I’m losing my mind all over again….
It’s Allen, but I wouldn’t lose any sleep over a misspelling. You’d be surprised how many do the same!
It’s amazing what can be achieved for just a bit of thought and effort. Thanks for a lovely share, Cynthia, and I hope that your body has recovered a little. 🙂
Thanks, Jo. Dawn is doing something special.
What a wonderful idea. Thank you to Dawn for creating little oases for children, and to you for sharing the story. One for passing on to others, I think.
Feel very welcome to pass it on, please Margaret. Thanks for your kind reply.
Wonderful work with a beautiful and heart filling cause – thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, Mary, for your kind comment.
What a beautiful way to give!
Isn’t it? Hope your birthday was terrific, Kev. Keep up the good work. You are a kind soul and a gift to all of us.
I had a wonderful birthday, Cynthia… thanks! 🙂
Reblogged this on Kev's Great Indie Authors and commented:
Being a season of giving, I had to share this wonderful, individual work of charity. 🙂
This is wonderful. One pink unicorn can go along way with an imaginative child. There are so many dreams to hold on to in sleep.
Well said, Laine. Thank you on Dawn’s behalf.
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
Thank you for reblogging this post.
Beautiful post, thank you and Happy Holidays.
Thank you Cynthia, for your kind comments about Room for a Child. I really appreciate your support. This fall Room for a Child has improved the bedroom spaces of a dozen children. We gave them lovely spaces and gave all of those who contributed, real awareness that they made a difference.
Our volunteers seem tireless and return to continue the work. I congratulate them. Hats off also to Randy Held Painting and Decorating. Randy provides us with free paint to help transform each room.
Thanks again for your help in spreading the word. The need never ends.
Oh bless her heart. I’m filling up! (fans face dramatically). What a fantastic thing to do.
Love it.
Cheers
MTM
Thanks, M.T. A very special endeavour.
What a fantastic idea.
Isn’t it, though? I am sure it costs her money to do this, and she needs help. But she keeps soldiering on.
Great project, children deserve it. Where you sleep as a child affects your character and future well-being. It is much more important that it seems.
Thank you! Well said.
This is simply a fabulous and rewarding thing to do. I can feel the joy Dawn must feel for each and every room she provides. I love this idea!!!!
Thought you would. Thanks for your kind reply.
What a wonderfully brilliant and generous idea!!! It truly touched my heart! Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing! As always, I love your posts!!! 🙂 ❤
What a great project – a room of one’s own! Your posts are always so beautiful and positive!
And you are so kind. I’m wishing you the best of the season.
What a wonderful thing to do! Such kindness and compassion.
This an absolutely wonderful idea!!!