Sewing group in Muldersdrift help many frontline essential workers with masks
The project supplied masks to police, firefighters, small local businesses, security companies and staff from the cardiology department at a large hospital in Johannesburg.
Shenan Cochrane, together with Tracey and Keith Mills from Muldersdrift, saw a drastic shortage in the availability of masks in the lead-up to the Covid-19 lockdown, particularly for supply to emergency and frontline workers, including police and firefighters.
In addition, concerned about people needing to be able to buy food for the proposed lockdown, they researched accepted practices for Covid-19 small-mask production and design overseas, and put a project together.
They purchased materials and set up a small workshop using Tracey’s personal machines. In the meantime Shenan, who works with the Muldersdrift community, spoke to the women of the Video Sewing Project. The retired women, Cindy, Gerty, Evelyn, Mavis, Josie and Naledzani happily agreed to assist, thankful they could buy food for their families going into lockdown.
Handmade masks are extremely labour-intensive and soon the team had up to eight women, including Tracey and Melanie van der Westhuizen on production. Keith handled quality control and packaging, while Shenan took care of sales, marketing and delivery.
All day, amidst lots of laughter and chatting, the women cut, sewed and trimmed the masks, which were sold and delivered as soon as they came out of production.
The project supplied masks to police, firefighters, small local businesses, security companies and staff from the cardiology department at a large hospital in Johannesburg.
The project ended the day before lockdown commenced, giving all the women time to shop and prepare for their families.
The small, non-profit project helped a group of wonderful women who in turn were proud to put their sewing skills to good use to help South Africans working on the frontline.
The nurses from the cardiology department were thrilled with their masks, and sent a wonderful picture to the team a few days ago to say thank you and show their appreciation.
“A very proud moment for all involved in the project,” Shenan said.
The team is re-grouping to provide masks for those returning to the workplace, that is if they get their permit. If readers would like to order masks – surgical or cloth re-usable – (50 in a box), contact 076 802 6397.
