Sewing challenge launched to help prevent spread of illness and preserve certified PPE for healthcare providers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is asking our community for their continued support. We are grateful for the generous donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) we have received for our healthcare workers, however there continues to be a worldwide shortage of PPE.
If you know how to sew, we’re asking you to make masks for donation. These masks will not be given to our healthcare workers, who will continue to use certified PPE. Handmade masks will be provided to:
- Patients who still need to visit the hospital for necessary care and can’t always keep their distance from healthcare workers
- Approved visitors to PRHC
- Discharged patients as they reintegrate into our community
- The broader Peterborough community to prevent the spread of illness
By creating these masks, you will help PRHC in preserving certified PPE for our healthcare providers and support staff.
How to make a mask
We are promoting a simple pleated mask design. Along with standard sewing supplies (sewing machine, measuring tape, etc.), you will need:
- Dark-coloured polyester fabric for the outside of the mask (this could be substituted with 100% cotton if polyester is not available)
- Light-coloured 100% cotton for the part of the mask that goes against the skin
- Elastic or fabric ties
You can find material recommendations for a three-layer mask here. Please use clean fabric to make your masks. PRHC will also wash all masks before distributing them.
Please also share your mask creations on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, tag us @PRHC1 and use the hashtags #InThisTogether #PRHCstrong #PTBO1000MaskChallenge
Mask donations may be dropped off seven (7) days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the hospital’s main entrance. Please put all masks into a plastic bag with your contact information (name, address, email address and phone number).
Please contact Bonnie Mackey at bmackey@prhc.on.ca or 705-743-2121 x.3325 with any questions related to mask donations.
Anyone who wants to contribute to the hospital’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic is encouraged to make a donation to the PRHC Foundation in support of critical investments in lifesaving equipment and technology and supports for patients and frontline healthcare workers. Donors can also send a special thank you message to PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff. Visit www.prhcfoundation.ca or call 705-876-5000.
For the most recent information on COVID-19, please visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus or peterboroughpublichealth.ca. PRHC is also providing news, updates, information and resources on its website here.
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For more information:
Michelene Ough
Director, Communications
mough@prhc.on.ca
