WINDSOR, ON, July 10, 2020
- The City of Windsor has recently made major contributions to the Windsor Essex Sewing Force (WESF) that will assist them in their efforts to get thousands of masks into the hands of our most vulnerable and at-risk people across Windsor-Essex. The commitment includes donation drop-off and storage at the WFCU Centre, 3D printed sewing tools, and a fabric, thread and elastic donation worth over $10,000.
“The use of the WFCU Centre as a temporary home base has helped us accelerate the implementation of the quality assurance program that the University of Windsor researchers are helping us develop through a WE-SPARK Health Institute and University of Windsor Office of Research and Innovation Services grant project,” states WESF co-founder Karen Harris. “Although the move to The WFCU Centre was for safety and logistics, we have been able to maximize the space for quality review of every mask, matching best masks for user needs and enhanced packaging to aid in distributing masks safely.”
“In making these generous contributions, the City has become a leader in recognizing the most vulnerable people across our region and knows they cannot be left behind as we re-open”, adds Rebecca Rudman, co-founder WESF. “Vulnerable people such as seniors, people with disabilities, individuals who are homeless and others at higher risk such as migrant workers need these masks, as they have become a passport to access essential services and critical public health.”
Ann Paul, City Windsor Housing Tenants Association President said, “When distributing masks to seniors in the building, many people had no masks and appreciated the high quality. With these masks, people are now able to go to grocery stores and other places such as medical appointments. They feel that someone cares about them.”
The Windsor Essex Sewing Force is a grass-roots volunteer network, which has thus far provided more than 16,000 homemade protective items, masks and caps to healthcare workers, with the volunteers contributing their time and more than $120,000 of their own money and resources.
“We need the community’s help to put masks on faces. We are always accepting donations. Every dollar, every mask sewn makes a difference,” continues Rudman.
To learn more about WESF, visit
www.wesf.ca
. Donations are being processed by the University of Windsor through their secure site. 100% of the donations will be directed to WESF.
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