#Sew4safety in Kempton Park makes its first donation of masks
Finding masks during this pandemic is like finding a needle in a haystack, but thanks to #Sew4safety frontline workers can now be protected.
A collective Kempton effort, inspired by the #Sew4safety campaign, brought people together in isolation by producing and donating 300 masks to the frontline workers at Coen Scholtz Community Centre in Birchleigh North.
The centre has been identified as one of the temporary shelters for the homeless in Ekurhuleni and the first batch of masks were donated to these workers on April 4.
“The response and contribution from the community have been awesome as we have already received 300 fabric masks by our sister volunteers,” says Beninca Steyn, community leader of #Sew4safety in Kempton Park.
The #Sew4safety campaign has grown a large following in Kempton Park, thanks to Lovestruck Philanthropy NPC and Kaleideo Church in Glen Marais that are on a public drive to sew and distribute fabric masks as part of the global #mask4all. (https://maskforall.net)
“With the community’s continued involvement and support, we can continue making a difference.”
This initiative is also being taken up in Cape Town.
South Africa, like other countries around the world, is currently facing a severe shortage of masks. This campaign aims to protect those at the frontline supporting the vulnerable who are without any kind of protection for their daily duties.
“We are calling on all sew sisters and brothers in the community with a sewing machine and fabric to get involved in this fun initiative to help essential service staff and those in need. By pulling together, more lives can be protected and we call on all to do their best to flatten the curve,” says Steyn.
To help sewing volunteers, a step-by-step starter pack with cut-out patterns on how to sew the fabric masks is available. All volunteers ensure the masks are washed and cleaned before they are given out.
Not a seamstress? Try donating big scraps of material or fabric you have to spare.
For those who would like to get involved or would like more information, contact Beninca Steyn on 082 852 8837 or hello@lovestruck.org.za
Donations are also welcome.
