Mega, Sealy Canada roll out mattress to support Ronald McDonald Houses

Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, June 1, 2011

Mega Group President Benoit Simard, left, joins Bruno Pittarelli, regional sales manager for Sealy Canada, to unveil the made-in-Canada Sealy Posturepedic mattress program in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada.

SAN ANTONIO — Members of Mega Group's BrandSource network have introduced a mattress group whose sales are expected to generate at least C$50,000 over the next four to six months in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada.

Sealy Canada is manufacturing the mattress, which was unveiled to the buying group's members at its recent annual meeting and conference here.

Over the past several years, the BrandSource Canada networked has donated some C$150,000 in cash and product to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which operate 12 houses and also some family rooms in hospitals in Canada. Families can use the lodging while their children are undergoing medical treatment nearby.

In a presentation to members, Mega Group President Benoit Simard said, "2010 was an extremely active year for our relationship, including fundraising events, participating in the planning stages of a number of renovation, expansions and the development of new facilities and working with our supplier partners to satisfy RMHC requests for much-needed appliances, electronics and bedding."

For 2011, Mega has partnered with Sealy Canada to manufacture and distribute a specially designed made-in-Canada mattress and box spring set that will be seen on the floors of all BrandSource member retailers.

"The bed is filled with 12 features that consumers are clamoring for in a high quality but affordably priced bed," Simard said.

Sealy Canada President Kevin Sisson said the pillow-top Sealy Posturepedic mattress will use the company's new ProBack construction and feature an organic cotton cover with antimicrobial treatments, silk wool in the quilt and soy foam and latex in the comfort layers. A queen set will have a suggested retail of C$999.

Each mattress sold will generate a C$50 donation to RMHC. The group hopes to sell a minimum of 1,000 sets.

Earlier this year, Mega sponsored a bowling event that raised C$16,000 for RMHC, while the 2010 supplier appreciation golf tournament raised another C$20,000.

In collaboration with Sealy Canada, Maytag Canada and Sharp Canada, Mega also donated some 126 pieces of bedding, appliances and electronics to the charity at an estimated retail value of C$113,600.

"This support will grow considerably in 2011 with all of the increased activity that is in the planning stages for completion this year," Simard said. "Right now, we have two new houses, one new family room and another five houses in various stages of renovations/expansions that will be looking for our continued support."