(BIRTHDAY JOY: Ms Azrinna Basir (with her sons) is one of four recipients of mattresses.)

By Joy Fang

ENTREPRENEUR Naveed Lee, 31, decided to donate mattresses to the needy last month, after remembering that they would need more aid in the recession, and the appalling state old mattresses could be in.

When he launched his online bed and mattress store, Beds.sg, two years ago, he helped deliver mattresses and dispose of old ones that were smelly, misshapen and full of bedbugs.

He said: "It occurred to me that there might be many poor people who continue to sleep on such mattresses because they can't afford new ones."

Mattresses infested with bedbugs, dustmites and fungi could cause illnesses, leading to more medical fees being incurred and the risk of losing one's job increasing, he said.

Mr Lee, who started his company with a partner, was prompted to take action after a chat with his delivery drivers a month ago, about the terrible state of some mattresses.

Those in need can apply through the company's website.

So far, it has received three to five applications a week.

The company gives a mattress each week to the most deserving applicant based on household income, and living and mattress conditions.

The size of the mattress depends on the applicant's needs, and can cost $125 to $300.

Mr Lee said that seeing the joy in the recipients' eyes makes losing some profits worthwhile.

"Through this, I improved someone's life. It's not all about money, it's about us moving forward as a society (as well)," he said.

His company has since given away four mattresses.

One recipient, housewife Azrinna Basir, 31, has had a curved spine since she was 12, which leaves her with backaches.

Her threadbare and sagging 10-year-old mattress made matters worse.

Buying a new mattress was out of the question, as her 35-year-old pest-control worker husband earns less than $1,500 monthly.

That money supports her four children and his mother, who all live in a three-room flat.

She was delighted to be told that she had been selected to receive a mattress, two days before her birthday.

"It's the best birthday present," she said.

joyfang@sph.com.sg

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