Art Van donates mattress sets for Detroit Firefighters

By FOX 2 News Staff

DETROIT, Mich (WJBK) -- Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was joined by Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture, and Detroit Fire Commissioner Don Austin today to accept the furniture store's donation of 150 mattress sets for Detroit firefighters. The donation was made through the Detroit Public Safety Foundation in support of the Mayor's Active and Safe Detroit Campaign.

"I am pleased that Art Van Furniture, a local family-owned business, has made such a significant commitment to support our City and its first responders," Mayor Bing said. "Our dedicated firefighters are grateful for such generous support from the communities they serve."

Fourteen sets of mattresses and box springs were delivered this morning to City of Detroit Fire Department Engine 50 Ladder 23 on the city's east side. The firehouse is one of the busiest in the country and was featured in the documentary Burn, which chronicles the daily experiences of Detroit's dedicated firefighters. An additional 136 mattress sets will be delivered by Art Van Furniture to Detroit fire stations after the first of the year.

"Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Dave Bing and the generosity of corporate citizens like Art Van Furniture, Detroit's firefighters will have comfortable beds to sleep on in the fire houses. These new mattresses will help them get a good rest in preparation for responding to calls for assistance," said Jim Nicholson, chairman of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation.  

                                            
Mayor Bing's Active and Safe Detroit Campaign is a $50 million initiative to help Detroit become a safer and healthier place to live, work and visit. The campaign brings together leaders from business, government, philanthropic organizations and the community to raise money for Detroit recreation center programs, equipment and assistance for the Fire and Police Departments, and support for the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative and Broken Windows Policing Initiative.

"We wanted to step up and do our part to help the city of Detroit,"
Founder Art Van Elslander said of Art Van Furniture's donation. "It is an honor and a privilege for us to help ensure comfort and proper rest for these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day."

Anyone interested in supporting the City of Detroit's first responders are encouraged to go online to: www.detroitpublicsafetyfoundation.org/donate. Wish lists for the Detroit Fire and Police Departments are posted on the website.