Parksville philanthropist and business owner Mark Nagra and his wife/manager Neelam, with their dedicated team at M&N Mattress and Sofa, are well known for stepping up when help is needed. That generosity is reaching new heights in 2025, as they embark on a mission to donate 52 mattresses worth $1,000 each– one every week – to individuals and families in his local Parksville and Qualicum Beach community who need them most.
The idea took shape while Mark and Neelam were on holiday over the winter. Mark came across a post in a local Facebook group from someone in need of a mattress and stepped in to help. Soon after returning home, he heard about a few other community members facing a similar challenge and once again wanted to make sure they had a safe, clean and comfortable place to sleep.
"When a fifth situation arose, we realized this was something we should do on an ongoing basis," Mark shares. "We may not have control over everything happening in the world, but in this small yet meaningful way, our team can make a difference. We can bring comfort to those who need it and hopefully, spread a little more kindness and positivity. At the end of the day, it's our customers' tremendous support of our local family business for the last 24 years that allows us to give back this way."
To help connect with those in need, a resident can contact the local Parksville SOS or follow the local Facebook page “Give Ask Gratitude Oceanside" which will make regular posts on their facebook page with details.
M&N Mattress will also advertise reminders in the local PQB NEWS on page seven with details on how to get in touch about the 2025 weekly mattress giveaways.
Community members in Parksville, Nanoose, Qualicum Beach and the surrounding communities in District 69/Oceanside are encouraged to nominate friends, family or neighbours who may be in need but hesitant to reach out themselves. “This particular 52 mattresses giveaway is for District 69 only. We will be having an open giveaway for Vancouver Island in the near future as well.”
The goal remains the same – to make the world a little brighter, one act of kindness at a time and we ask every recipient of these free mattresses to simply pay it forward in anyway you can."
Made in Canada...before it was cool!
Looking for high-quality Canadian and B.C.-made products? At M&N Mattress, every mattress is made in B.C., more than 80 per cent of their home furniture comes from Canadian or B.C. manufacturers, and all three of their sofa, loveseat and sectional brands are Canadian as well.
"We've had a maple leaf in our logo since day one and that sums up how we have always felt about supporting Canadian and B.C.-made products for the last 24 years," Mark says. "Choosing locally made over imports has always just made sense to us. Why wouldn’t we support fellow Canadian business owners whenever possible?"
Visit M&N Mattress & Sofa in person at 291 East Island Hwy. or visit online at parksvillemattress.com. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates, contests and giveaways!
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Local Parksville business goes international with recent team bonding trip