In an interview during the event, Mrs. Naty Cheng, CEO and president of Uratex, emphasized the company’s dedication to giving back to the community. “Noong 40th anniversary, nagbigay na kami to forty charities. Noong 50th year, nagbigay ulit kami. Maraming nabigyan namin, buo pa yung kutson nila kaya bibigyan namin yung mga iba naman” (During our 40th anniversary, we donated to forty charities. On our 50th year, we did it again. Since many already received mattresses, we decided to help others).
Charity Foundations and Beneficiaries
The recipients of Uratex’s mattress donations include orphanages, homes for the elderly, and various other organizations providing sanctuary for those in need. Notable beneficiaries include CORA Non-Profit Organization, Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, and Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage. These charities were carefully chosen based on their alignment with Uratex’s vision and their urgent need for mattresses.
The decision-making process was guided by the company’s founder, Mr. Robert Cheng’s vision: “We will not stop until we give every Filipino with a comfortable and affordable mattress to lie on.” Uratex collaborated with external partners to identify charities supporting shelters for the aged, women, children, and adults with special needs, as well as community hospitals in need of proper bedding.
The 2,355 mattresses found their way to diverse communities, including the Muslim community, orphanages, homes for the aged, hospitals with outdated mattresses, and troubled teens in need of a fresh start. Some recipients were living in poor housing conditions, relying on uncomfortable bedding or, in some cases, had never experienced the comfort of a mattress.
Locations of the charities spanned across Cebu, Agusan del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Isla Verde in Batangas, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces.
Isla Verde, a secluded and simple community within Verde Island in Batangas, was one of the recipients. In an interview, recipients expressed their gratitude. One recipient stated, “Maraming salamat Uratex dahil natulungan nyo kaming mabigyan ng foam dahil sa sahig lamang kami natutulog. Ngayon ay komportable na kaming matulog dahil sa foam ng Uratex” (Thank you very much, Uratex, for helping us receive a foam. Before, we only slept on the floor. Now, we can sleep comfortably because of Uratex’s foam). Another recipient also conveyed appreciation, “Akoy nagpapasalamat at kami’y inyong nabigyang pansin… Maraming salamat sa Uratex. Kami ay makakahiga sa malambot” (I am thankful that you noticed us… Thank you, Uratex. We can now sleep on something soft).
The Mattresses: A Symbol of Quality and Generosity
Uratex donated 2,355 pieces of its best-selling Classic Uratex Single (36 x 75) mattresses, the same mattresses used in the Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Human Mattress Domino. The record-setting attempt, which lasted 14 minutes and 25 seconds, not only showcased Uratex’s commitment to quality but also became the platform for a broader CSR initiative.
By combining the excitement of breaking a world record with a substantial charitable donation, Uratex is exemplifying how corporate success can be leveraged for the betterment of communities, aligning with its enduring vision of providing comfort to every Filipino. This unique initiative demonstrates that, for Uratex, giving back is not just an event; it’s a commitment woven into the fabric of its 55-year journey.
