Hundreds of local bush fire victims will sleep more easily following the generous donation of new mattresses by Sydney manufacturer A.H. Beard bedding.
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Five truck loads of mattresses were brought down to the South Coast and distributed free to recipients from collection points in Ulladulla and Narooma over the weekend.
The idea was sparked by Hawkesbury City Council councillor, Sarah Richards with the help of her partner Matthew Bennett and his friends at AH Bedding.
"A Facebook page was set up to help get the message out to the victims of the bushfire that needed new mattresses and 'Mattress for a Mate" began," Ms Richards said.
Members of the community affected by bush were called upon to register their details for approval and confirmation on the Mattress for a Mate website designed by Mr Bennett.
Proprietors of AH Beard, Garry Beard and his brother Allyn along with their families, volunteers from AH Beard and the Richards' accompanied five trucks loaded with mattresses to Ulladulla and Narooma on the weekend and distributed new bedding to select bush fire affected families.
AH Beard, CEO Gary Beard said 387 pieces were distributed to 80 families from the Narooma pick-up point and about 130 pieces to 40 families from the Ulladulla collection site.
The Beard brothers and their families greeted each person at the pickup points, helping load and secure the bedding goods.
Ms Richards said about 170 families had registered, their stories both sad and heartwarming.
"We are considering putting together a compilation of peoples stories and publishing a book which we will in turn donate to a community organisation to sell and raise further money for bushfire affected communities," she said.