A number of local residents are putting their sewing skills to good use by making face masks for those who need them.
Denise Cruz of Decidedly Deivah has made more than 600 masks in six weeks.
She has sewn masks for the staff at Costco 57, the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie, summer camps, security staff at the airport and her masks have gone to people as far away as Missouri.
She will even be outfitting a number of weddings in masks this summer.
“I am amazed and so happy to give people a little peace of mind in these scary times, and who would have thought it could be such a creative process as well,” said Cruz.
Jayzellynn Rivera also became involved with sewing masks and scrub bags for frontline workers after seeing a demand for both on local social media.
She decided to take her efforts even further by donating $1 for every mask she makes to the Airdrie Food Bank.
“I think it’s important to remember that charities like the food bank rely on the community to keep going. I believe that giving back to your community helps it flourish,” she said, adding she has donated more than $100 to the food bank so far.
“Especially now, during COVID-19, there is a greater need for the food bank. I also want to continue teaching my daughter the importance of helping and giving.”
Preet Nijjar raised money for the food bank through her mask-making efforts as well.
“It just makes my heart happy because I can help somehow to ease their minds when they can’t find disposable masks anywhere,” said Nijjar.
She said adding that she decided to make masks while laid off from her job in makeup and aesthetics.
“For me, COVID gave me a new direction and whole new business and a motive, motive to help as many people as I can to get back up and start work again,” she said.
stacie@frogmediainc.ca
