WSECU Community Champion builds beds, rehabilitates fighting dogs, and exemplifies what it means to serve
When Matthew Ballantyne was a police officer in North Dakota, he witnessed something that would reshape his life’s purpose: children sleeping on floors in homes where parents were doing their absolute best but drowning in emergencies beyond their control.
“Not every child in that situation was in a neglected state of care,” Ballantyne reflected. “Many were in situations where their parents were doing the best they could, as they struggled through a few emergencies at once, and needed a helping hand.”
Today, as president of the Olympia chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Ballantyne has transformed that early awareness into action, embodying the organization’s mission: “No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town.” His dedication recently earned him the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant that he’s directing straight back to the cause.
Building more than beds
During this year’s Beds Across America event, Ballantyne and his “small, but scrappy team” exceeded their goal, constructing 40 beds for local children. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
“I very much feel the weight of the room when we deliver a bed,” Ballantyne shared. “Their excitement, the joy, the relief, of having their own bed. We document as many as we can, but until you’re in that room, you’ll never fully feel it.”
One delivery stands out with heartbreaking clarity. In early October, they brought a bed to a teenage girl who had witnessed her mother’s death on a Greyhound bus between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Her mother had shielded her from a shooter, dying while holding her daughter.
“Being able to improve her life, with something as simple as a bed, I don’t think I can express that feeling acutely enough,” Ballantyne said. “But I’ll never stop wanting to be a part of those moments, for as long as I breathe.”
Beyond the bedframe
Ballantyne’s compassion extends beyond human needs. He’s become known for rehabilitating dogs rescued from fighting rings — animals most people write off as irredeemable.
“There was a time in this country where fighting dogs were euthanized instantaneously, because the prevailing view was that they were too dangerous to rehabilitate socially,” he explained.
Having witnessed the toll of dog fighting early in life, he’s dedicated himself to proving that narrative wrong. Three rescued fighters have found sanctuary in his home.
“I’ve watched them grow, from being scared of loud noises, doors, big open rooms, and trying to make themselves small and hidden all the time, to blossoming at the chance to socialize with people, and put on a show of affection and attention,” he said. “They’re worth the effort, I promise!”
When he’s not building beds or rehabilitating dogs, Ballantyne volunteers for a local crisis hotline and serves on InterCity Transit’s peer support team, helping coworkers and their families through difficult times.
The ripple effect
Seven community members nominated Ballantyne for the WSECU award, each highlighting different aspects of his service. His response to the recognition?
“I’m absolutely humbled that anyone thinks anything of what I’m doing,” Ballantyne said. “I’m glad they see the value in helping these children get off the floor.”
The $1,000 grant represents more than recognition — it’s immediately going toward helping children on Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s waiting list.
“We have children on our waitlist that need our help urgently,” Ballantyne emphasized. “It represents a step forward in solving a major community problem that goes unseen.”
The need is substantial. The Puget Sound South chapter trends around 20 to 25 bed requests monthly. After studying juvenile sleep research, Ballantyne understands the stakes: “Poor quality sleep in children directly correlates to diminished capacity, mental, physical, and emotional unwellness, into adulthood.”
Action over words
Asked about his motivation, Ballantyne’s philosophy is straightforward: “I’m just a guy who would rather do than say. Doing something, rather than talking about it, has to be the way for those who want to make a change.”
When pressed about self-care amid his numerous commitments, he’s refreshingly honest: “The truth? I don’t. It’s a real problem, and I’m open to suggestions on this one!”
How you can help
For those inspired to join the mission, Ballantyne suggests starting with the Bunkhead Club — a $20 monthly donation that provides steady support for bed-building efforts. The chapter also needs practical support: indoor storage for inventory, a tool trailer, and volunteers for builds and deliveries.
“Kindness can come in many forms,” Ballantyne reflected. “The best kinds of it are acts directed to your neighbor, the kid two towns away, or the mother one county away. Kindness is always at its best when it’s displayed in our communities by those within it.”
With a fundraiser Dec. 13 at the Jester Auto Museum in Chehalis and a bed-build Dec. 20 in Lacey, Ballantyne shows no signs of slowing down. His goal for next year’s Beds Across America? Sixty beds.
“For me, the inspiration is the ripple effect of positivity,” he explained. “In a community where kids thrive, we all thrive — for years and generations to come.”
To volunteer, donate, or learn more about upcoming events, visit Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s website.
