Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singaporean spirit soars. While we might be inundated by news reports about increasing infection cases every day, we also see our community coming together in wanting to extend their support to those in need.
Acts of kindness—whether big or small—is what keeps us going in this trying time. And there are many here in Singapore who needs that extra helping hand.
‘Masks Sewn with Love’ Project to Help The Needy
It is heartening to share that a new community project, ‘Masks Sewn With Love’, has been created to garner volunteers to sew reusable cloth masks (in a variety of sizes) for those in need.
It is said that the masks are meant for family, friends, children and the elderly, including vulnerable groups in shelters and homes, cleaners and domestic workers.
The Facebook group, with over 3,188 members as of writing, has been receiving an overwhelming response in interested volunteers.
Even if that means having to sacrifice additional time outside of one’s already hectic work-from-home-and-have-to-take-care-of-kids schedule, among others.
DIY Masks Made From Scratch
Individuals from all walks of life are contributing to the cause, from kids to the elderly.
Yang’s MIL sewing masks for children. | Photo: Pearl Yang / Facebook
Facebook user, Pearl Yang documented her mother-in-law sewing masks in a series of videos posted. She also shared that her MIL put on a mask while sewing, apart from washing hands as part of maintaining hygiene.
Others like Quang Loan are also part of many volunteers who have put in extra time to be part of this meaningful project.
To DIY the face masks, one will have to cut and machine sew fabric and attach the elastic string for the ear hoops.
Photo: Regine Teo / Facebook
Sewn from scratch, they come in a variety of patterns and colours, depending on the materials volunteers have. For those who wish to contribute but experience difficulties in sourcing for materials, ‘Masks Sewn with Love’ also arranges for a #SGTogetherMSWL pack, with priority given to those who can cut and machine sew fabric.
Despite the challenge, many volunteers have taken the initiative to source for their own materials online.
Helping Each Other Out
While ‘Masks Sewn with Love’ uploaded a mask template to help volunteers get started, there are some who have kindly shared their ways to further ease the DIY-process.
Quick tips to create masks in bulk include using mylar sheets or cut-outs from old plastic files or cardboards.
Photo: Screengrab from Jesslyn Chua / Facebook
Some volunteers have also kindly offered to share fabrics, as well as other spare materials they have with other volunteers.
Photo: Ginny Fong / Facebook
SingPost Renders Support to Deliver Masks for Free
To help facilitate this project, SingPost has partnered with the community group to help deliver the masks for free to beneficiaries who need them.
Once the batch of DIY masks are ready, volunteers will have to put them in an envelope to be sent to ‘Masks Sewn With Love” via their nearest posting box.
All they have to do is to label the back of the envelope with their names, the number of masks created and sizes and SingPost will do the rest.
Photo: Adeline Goh / Facebook
Nothing more fulfilling than to participate in a meaningful cause like ‘Masks Sewn With Love’ during this circuit breaker period, and to know that like-minded individuals have come together to play their part.
This initiative is also a reminder for all Singaporeans to continue to soldier on and stay united.
If you are inspired by the cause and want to know how you can contribute, you can sign up via the group’s form to get more information in detail here.
Do check out their step-by-step guide on how you can sew masks at home too here.
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