#BTFocus – Boost for Barbados’ COVID-19 fight . . . Canadian charity donates over 100,000 masks

The Canadian-based Leslois Shaw Foundation has gifted Barbados with 105, 000 cloth masks to be distributed to citizens in need.

The Foundation worked with Ripples Limited production facility in Newton, Christ Church and a New York fashion designer to produce the masks of all sizes.

Today, 3, 000 kids’ size masks and 600 for adults were handed over to the Barbados Child Care Board (CCB), to be distributed to children who reside in government facilities and the staff that work with them.

During a presentation ceremony at CCB’s Cheapside, St Michael main office, Acting Deputy Director of the Board Colin St Hill said it is important that children wear masks in this COVID-19 environment to reinforce that society must follow the protocols to reduce the spread of the virus.

“So I think that this presentation this morning is very timely. Although I think that right now in Barbados some people are becoming a bit complacent. I think it is important that we remind persons that it is not over, that we need to be vigilant and we need to continue doing what is right in terms of keeping our society safe. And children will play an important part in this exercise,” St Hill said.

The Acting Deputy Director explained that the 80 children within residential homes will receive masks. He added that the Board’s clients who need assistance will also receive masks.

Megan Mayers, who represented Les and Virginia Hutchinson, who are directors of the Foundation, but reside in Barbados, noted that all involved in the project are happy to see it become a reality.

Barry Mayers of Ripples Limited said his company was happy to be part of the production of the masks being donated to the country. Mayers explained that while at this time of the year Ripples factory is usually busy making Crop Over costumes, they were able to maintain operations because of the opportunity to make the masks.

“So we are very happy to be able to partner with the Leslois Shaw Foundation for this opportunity because we have now all of our staff back out and in full operation and manufacturing. I think masks are here to stay. I don’t think that we are going to see them disappear soon, so I think it’s a very good opportunity for the less fortunate that can’t afford a mask.

“One thing I have learnt about the mask is that they definitely come in different sizes and one size definitely does not fit all. It is amazing how many different sizes we are making out of the 105,000,” Mayers said. anestahenry@barbados.bb