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Mike the Mattress Guy recipient of government's Small Businesses, Big Hearts Award

Mike The Mattress Guy provided beds for single mother and her children
Mike The Mattress Guy
MPP Andrea Khanjin delivered “Small Businesses, Big Hearts Award” to Krista of Mike The Mattress Guy. Supplied photo

NEWS RELEASE
MPP ANDREA KHANJIN
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In May, the Government of Ontario launched its Small Businesses, Big Hearts Initiative—a campaign designed to recognize the remarkable ways Ontario small businesses have stepped up and supported their local communities throughout COVID-19, even when they themselves were struggling with adapting to challenges caused by the pandemic.

The small business community has risen to help the vulnerable and those stuck at home, with countless people generously giving their time and resources to make and deliver food, run errands, and check-in on those who are isolated and alone.

The Small Businesses, Big Hearts Award, launched by Premier Ford and Small Business Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, solicits stories of small businesses across the province who have shown true Ontario Spirit through their generosity, amidst the uncertainty and challenges brought on by COVID-19. Many of these businesses have altered their business models and paid it forward, providing inspiration and creating hope in their local communities.

"As I connect and host virtual roundtables with small businesses across the province, I'm also hearing about the tremendous generosity of our small businesses and the many ways they are giving back to their communities," said Minister Sarkaria. "In so many remarkable ways, these local heroes are demonstrating the Ontario spirit. Mike The Mattress Guy are one of the recipients and on behalf of the Premier and I, would like to congratulate the team on their Small Businesses, Big Hearts award.”

One example of their good work includes, Sarah a single mother from Barrie who was unable to accommodate herself or her kids with beds to sleep in. After hearing about the charity work and outreach that Mike The Mattress Guy does in the community, she reached out to them and they assured that they were going to take care of her.

Mike The Mattress Guy dropped off bunk beds for the kids and a queen size bed for her complete with mattresses, frames, and sheets. Also, they provide customers with free delivery in exchange for a donation to the local Food Bank or Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie.

“Many Ontarians are facing pressures in ways we’ve never seen before because of the global pandemic,” said Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin. “Mike The Mattress Guy helped our community by donating services, resources and time to help others so that the vulnerable can be in a better position to rebound from the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. The Big Heart Small Business award celebrates of those made the remarkable small businesses, whose kindness help continue to build a strong and healthy Ontario during the COVID 19 pandemic.”

The government’s Small Business Big Hearts Initiative provides a platform to highlight small businesses that have helped their communities and made life a little easier for their fellow Ontarians. Many small businesses have shown true Ontario spirit during this period, strengthening the foundation of our communities and helping Ontarians through this recovery.

If you know of a small business that has stepped up and shown the Ontario Spirit in your community, send the story to [email protected].

Quick facts

  • The COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers website enables businesses to submit details of any potential regulatory roadblocks as we navigate these uncharted economic conditions.
  • Ontario is also providing significant support to small businesses, including an investment of $150 million in rural broadband which will help businesses access a greater pool of customers as well as significantly expanding the Digital Main Street platform to help small businesses create and enhance their online presence, helping them to adapt and meet the challenges of today.
  • To take part in the Small Businesses, Big Hearts initiative and share a story, please reach out to the Office of the Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction at [email protected].
  • For information and resources for Ontario businesses, visit ontario.ca/supportforbusiness.

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