A brighter bedroom for a brighter future

How often do you hear the words “child” and “extreme makeover” together?

Sarah Muir teams up with the Windsor Children’s Aid Society to give children a sanctuary where they can be themselves.

“They’ve gone through a lot of struggle,” said Muir. “We’re able to go into their homes where they spend most of their time and we’re able to reach them in a place that’s usually a dark place for them.” 

Her project is called Rise and Shine – a children’s outreach program. Along with the help of family and friends, Muir does bedroom renovations for children involved in children’s aid.  She reaches out to families who have been through a lot of strain and faced a lot of hardship in their life. She believes the transition of a brighter bedroom can also be a metaphor for brighter days ahead. 

Tina Gatt, manager of community outreach with the CAS says this is more than brightening up four walls. 

“This has far lasting, positive impacts than just a fresh coat of paint,” said Gatt. “Around 60 per cent of our families live in poverty. When you look at the types of families we serve, a project like this can really have a positive impact.” 

Gatt added the bedroom renovations can also benefit parents, as the bedrooms are taking what was once a dark place and giving it a new light. 

“Mom couldn’t stay in that room because of violence she experienced,” said Gatt, about one bedroom makeover. “So the children had their room made over and now it’s completely changed the whole vibe of that room. It’s now a safe place not only for mom, but for those kids as well.  

According to Muir, the goal of the project is to positively affect the next generation. She decided to do bedroom renovations as she believes a child’s bedroom is a sacred place.  

“You wake up every morning in your bedroom,” said Muir. “You go to sleep every night in your bedroom. It’s an atmosphere that you’re waking up in every day and it’s the first and last thing you see. So even though it might not be something that we are consciously aware of, it’s still something in our subconscious that we’re absorbing.” 

Within the span of 48 hours, Muir painted, repaired walls, changed lights and even brought in new furniture for the bedroom. Now equipped with a brand-new superhero themed bunk bed, new drawers and even a mountain of toys to play with, it is hoped the newly designed bedroom will help a child to dream big. 

Muir hopes to continue the Rise and Shine project and brighten the life and bedrooms of many more children. 

“I’m just so happy to be able to help them out,” Muir said. “I love being a part of helping to transition something that was once a horrible space into something exciting.”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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