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Local online community steps up to make scrub caps, face shields for health care workers

'To know that complete strangers have stepped up, and are doing everything that they can to help us means so much'

A local group has been virtually gathering together on Facebook to identify and create Personal Protection Equipment for medical professionals in the community. 

Created on March 20, members of the Guelph Makers Covid-19 Response have been sharing templates, sewing surgical scrub caps and printing face shields.

They’re even in the process of creating hooks to be used with surgical masks in order to ease the pain health professionals experience when the mask’s elastic band puts pressure on their skin. 

Group member Jennifer Cameron said just this weekend there were 200 face shield masks created by a few members while another 100 are in the process. 

“I think they’re happy to feel like there’s something they can do because I think people who are at home self-isolating kind of feel overwhelmed like there’s nothing you can do to make it better,” said Cameron. 

“It’s just another way to help,” she said of strangers helping each other during a difficult time. 

Cameron said recently, emergency department physician Mary Cameron at the Guelph General Hospital had expressed a need for surgical caps in the hospital to protect health professionals and patients from the spread of COVID-19. 

After sharing a post about the need for surgical caps on multiple Facebook groups, Cameron said she received an overwhelming response from community members who wanted to help. 

“Overnight I had about 50 people ask for the patterns so they can start sewing,”

“I have a dropbox on my porch for people when they get them done and then I will get them to Mary.”

She said once the group meets the demand by the GGH, it will donate to other places based on need. 

Dr. Cameron said staff at the GGH emergency department did not have an adequate supply of scrub caps because it is not commonly worn in the emergency room. 

“This need is being met by caring Guelphites who are busy sewing us scrub caps as we speak. To know that complete strangers have stepped up, and are doing everything that they can to help us means so much,” said Dr. Cameron in an email.

“In the near future, there will be a scrub cap on the head of every doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist, administrative support person, cleaner, and porter in our department.  We are ready for COVID-19 in our emergency department, and thanks to an army of volunteers, we will be safer.”

Cameron said creating PPE— whether it is by printing or sewing — is a way for community members to help if they have the extra time on their hands.”

“My work is dried up right now but this is something I can do to give back to the community.”

She said her sons temporarily closed their gaming business, Andosh Accessible Gaming (as it isn't an essential service) and have been devoting their time at home to create face shields totalling 63 so far. 

“It’s amazing to see how many positive stories there are all around,” said Cameron.


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Anam Khan

About the Author: Anam Khan

Anam Khan is a journalist who covers numerous beats in Guelph and Wellington County that include politics, crime, features, environment and social justice
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