OUR PROMISE
To support you, as you play an integral role in keeping our city going, our “tiny but mighty” team of volunteers are honoured to provide you with a handmade cotton face mask to provide some protection and peace of mind.
Each mask is unique and made with love by our team of YYC Sidekicks. We hope you wear it with pride.
As a team, we focus on three things:
Making the best quality mask we can (to keep you safe and feeling protected).
Making people smile.
Having fun!
But … if we were unable to provide you with a mask you are comfortable wearing, we would appreciate feedback to help us get better with every mask we make.
If it’s not right … we will do everything we can to make it right!
ABOUT YOUR MASK
The body of our masks are made from 100% tight-knit cotton fabric (as per CDC guidelines), two layers thick, and include mask ties made of 100% knit cotton fabric or elastic band ear loops. Nose pieces are made of galvanized steel wire to provide a more secure fit for every face. This material is used to ensure the metal does not rust with multiple, high temperature washes.
These masks, when properly worn, can filter out more than 50 percent of 0.3 micron particles (with a 3-layer coffee filter insert). This is a significant amount of protection when compared to a standard surgical mask (which provides 60 to 80 percent filtration). Keep in mind, effectiveness of any mask is dependent on correct fit, proper sterilization, and ongoing care.
To read the New York Times article, click here.
Credit: Perk Creative (@weareperk)
TAKING CARE OF YOUR MASK
Unlike surgical masks, which are not intended to be used more than once (when it becomes soiled or damaged), your protective cotton face mask is reusable!
The most effective, fastest, and easiest way to properly sanitize your cotton face, so lasts over multiple washes, is to use boiling water (above 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Most washing machines do not have a sanitization setting that meets this requirement.
Check out the information in the infographic (to the right) for more details.
Credit: Perk Creative (@weareperk)
MASKS FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS
We started as a group of novice Sewists, using the MOVE Improve mobile app to make DIY face masks for their families and friends. With some newly acquired skills, extra time on our hands, donated supplies from our community partners, and a passion for helping others, the YYC Heroes project was born.
We proud to be paying it forward and making masks for organizations that need the support (and who may not have the time or budget to get what they need). It has given us all a sense of purpose, at a time when our community needs it most.
The MOVE Improve mobile app (currently available for iPad) includes the “DIY Face Mask” app. With MOVE Improve, learning skills goes beyond a YouTube video by breaking the task into manageable steps. Whether you have a sewing machine or just needle and thread, this mobile app shows you how to take an old t-shirt, elastic band, and metal paperclip and turn it into a protective cotton face masks.
Available for free on the App Store, we hope this can be used in your home to keep everyone safe. Click here for more information.
Credit: Perk Creative (@weareperk)
Credit: Six Foot Canasian (@sixfootcanasian)