By Matt Fetinko

COVID-19

AimHi looking for 1,000 cloth masks

Apr 15, 2020 | 2:54 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to support others more than ever. One of the most in-demand supports has been masks to help prevent the spread but it’s not just needed for medical workers. Other organizations have also put the call out for help.

Over the Easter Long Weekend, AimHi put out the request to raise 1,000 cloth or non-medical masks to help them out. AimHi has 450 employees providing supports to people who need it in the community, and that’s continuing through the COVID-19 pandemic. So the call was made to the public.

“It’s really critical that we conserve our medical masks for when we have to look after people who are sick, explained Elizabeth Mooring, Health Services Director at AimHi. “But when Health Canada said that non-medical masks or cloth masks might provide some benefit against spreading droplets to others, we thought we better look at getting some cloth masks made.”

In total, 45 volunteers have contributed around 800 masks to this point but AimHi anticipates more to come. The masks will be available for staff who work with those who need their assistance, when social distancing measures are not possible. When it has been possible, AimHi has adapted to the times.

“For people who live independently in the community, we are checking in virtually and with phone calls; and for people who live in our homes, we are limiting outings to essential only like everyone else has been recommended to do, we’ve had to limit visitors which has been really hard for a lot of people so we are trying to keep them connected virtually,” Mooring said.

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Anyone wanting to help out AimHi with cloth or non-medical masks can do so by getting in touch with them directly.