On March 11, 2020 … our lives drastically changed.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic and we’ve been on high alert, taking every precaution to keep our loved ones safe and out of harms way.
With more than 1.7 million people directly affected, and over 100,000 lives lost, we are putting our differences aside and fighting the “Next World War” together. And … there is no effort too small to make a difference!
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Chinese proverb
We’ve been inspired by the courageous initiatives seen around the world (and our own neighbourhoods) that are making a difference in the fight against COVID-19. Humbled by the power of simplicity, we’re putting technology aside, rolling up our sleeves, and doing our part to keep Calgarians safe during a time where we are most vulnerable.
We are coordinating an effort to get non-medical cotton masks to not-for-profit organizations and essential service providers who do not have access to approved face masks or respirators at this time.
Our goal is to donate 10,000 non-medical face masks to Calgary's Undercover Superheroes, those who put themselves at risk every day to keep our city going (including employees and volunteers). In addition, we are taking requests from not-for-profit organizations seeking additional support for at-risk patrons.
MAKE YOUR OWN MASKS
DOWNLOAD “DIY FACE MASK”
On your iPad, go to the App Store to download MOVE Improve (it’s FREE).
MOVE Improve is a mobile application for learning and mastering technical skills. Currently available on the iPad, this mobile application includes:
Side-by-side video analysis (versus expert video)
Breakdown of skills into easy to understand components
Ability to assess one's own performance (versus expert video)
NO IPHONE OR IPAD? NO PROBLEM!
If you don’t have an iPad, you can still make protective cotton face masks with an internet connection and a printer!
Watch the YouTube video (courtesy of Stitch4Corona) at https://youtu.be/sm3nPsUAt5U
Download the “DIY Face Mask - Step by Step Instructions” to walk you through how to make the protective cotton face masks (as per CDC Guidelines).
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
Whether you sew the masks using a sewing machine or do it by hand, the pattern outlined in the DIY Face Masks mobile app (and YouTube video) requires the following items:
Needle and thread (or a sewing machine)
2 pieces of cotton fabric (8” x 7” in size; high thread count; preferably washed and ironed)
2 elastic bands (8” in length) - If you are unable to find elastic bands you can create single mask ties using a cut up t-shirt. Contact us for instructions.
1 piece of metal wire (5” in length)
FOLLOW THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Either use the DIY Face Mask information on MOVE Improve or watch the YouTube video and follow the instructions on the “DIY Face Mask - Step by Step Instructions” sheet to make your protective cotton face mask. The sewing portion of this activity will take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes (depending on your skill level and whether you are sewing by hand or machine).
YYC HEROES PROJECT
We are a collective group of volunteers who are banding together to get 10,000 masks to Calgary’s Undercover Superheroes (those who put themselves at risk every day to keep the city going).
To learn more about the YYC Heroes Project, listen to a recent interview on 770 CHQR below.
Whether you’re brand new to sewing or a master seamstress (or don’t even want to sew but want to help out), getting started with the YYC Heroes Project can be done in just four (4) simple steps:
Sign up to join the YYC Heroes Project Team
Commit to a minimum of four hours per week
Work with your Team Captain to assist in one of three roles (eg., Fabric Handler, Driver, or Sewist)
HAVE FUN (and stay safe)!
Below is an outline of what the volunteer Sewist role looks like:
I. Sign Up
Fill out the “Join the Team” form (below). Once you sign up, we’ll contact you with more details on how you can get involved depending on your abilities, location, and willingness to help.
II. Receive Cotton Mask Kits
If you have your own supplies you can get started right away! Click here for a complete list.
If you don’t have the supplies … NO PROBLEM! We can provide you with Cotton Mask Kits (each includes fabric and supplies for 11 masks; does not include thread). Just let us know!
III. Stitch the Masks
Regardless of whether you are a master seamstress or are sewing for the first time, we have resources to help you make the Cotton Face Masks like a pro!
If you have an iPad, download MOVE Improve to sew masks confidently using an interactive learning process. To learn more about MOVE Improve, click here.
Watch the YouTube video by Stitch4Corona: https://youtu.be/sm3nPsUAt5U
Download the “Step-by-Step Guide” (PDF).
Contact your Team Captain for support.
IV. Return the Completed Masks
Contact your Team Captain to let them know you are finished sewing the masks. You can drop them off at a drop-off location near you or we can have a volunteer driver pick them up from your doorstep.
It’s that easy!
JOIN THE TEAM
If you’d like to be a part of our mission to help fellow Calgarians offering essential services to stay healthy and safe, please fill out the form below and let us know how you’d like to help out!
If you have questions, click here to contact the Organizers.
CLOTH vs. SURGICAL MASK
Although personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators and surgical masks, protect the wearer from airborne particles and liquid contaminating the face, they are not recommended for use by the general public.
These critical supplies must continue to be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition, the CDC recommends the general public use simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus, when in a public setting. This will help people who may have the virus (and do not know it) from transmitting it to others. For more information on the CDC’s recommendations on cloth face coverings, click here.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions, such as hand washing and maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
Disclaimer. The masks produced by the team are done using CDC recommended guidelines. We do not take any responsibility for the effectiveness of these masks. These masks are not certified and have not been tested by any regulatory agency. They are meant to be used as a last resort, in dire situations or at your own discretion.
For proper sterilization instructions, click here.
THE INSPIRATION
As a small tech start-up in Alberta, we were inspired by a team of Engineering students from the University of Toronto (www.stitch4corona.ca) who put their technology aside to help the men and women working on the front lines in the Greater Toronto Area.
In an effort to help their cause, by alleviating the accidental waste of valuable supplies (eg., volunteers with no experience sewing), we converted their YouTube video into a MOVE Improve app to help volunteers master the sewing process … quickly and easily.
To date, Stitch4Corona has recruited over 500 volunteers, donated over 1,500 masks, and have another 4,000 currently in production.
Inspired by their efforts, we are mobilizing volunteers in Calgary to do the same for the men and women who may not have access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as they keep our city going.
To learn more about Stitch4Corona, click here.
