Mattress Firm has launched a slew of initiatives to assist employees affected by Hurricane Harvey, and the overall community of Houston, which is home to the major retailer’s national headquarters.
In an Aug. 30 internal memo, Ken Murphy, Mattress Firm president and chief executive officer, said that 950 employees live in areas affected by the enormous storm: “We are staying in close contact with our team in the areas where Harvey has hit hard and doing what we can to help. We’ve heard devastating accounts of lost homes and cars from our team, and we are all witnessing the widespread devastation on the national news.”
Murphy described the situation on the ground in the disaster areas as “constantly changing,” but said that the company is assisting employees with food, shelter, disaster pay and other types of compensation. It also has created an employee assistance fund and put in the first $25,000. Other employees and members of the public from around the country are invited to contribute, and Mattress Firm will match donations up to $100,000. For more information, visit GoFundMe.com/mfrmemployeehurricanerelief.
Mattress Firm also is donating $1 million worth of pillows, blankets and mattresses to Houston residents who have lost their homes. It is giving away a percentage of every purchase made in its 3,500 stores through Sept. 5, up to an additional $1 million worth in sleep products. And the company is collecting round-up donations at checkouts, through Sept. 5, earmarked for the American Red Cross’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
In addition, the retailer is distributing disaster relief kits that include a pillow, blanket and towel to shelters across Houston.
Its stores in Dallas-Fort Worth serve as collection points where anyone can bring supplies for displaced residents. More stores may be added as needs become more apparent, the company said.
