No slowing down for Bedfordview mask project
During June and July, the group distributed over 3 000 masks to organisations in need.
Helping Hands – From The Heart, a Bedfordview-based charity organisation, distributed over 10 000 masks to those in need during April and May.
The organisation grew from a group of caring community members, who created and distributed much-needed masks to those who couldn’t afford to buy their own.
“In the beginning, we were using our old T-shirts and bedding to make masks,” said group coordinator Jennie Smith.
“We pleaded with the community and soon started receiving material to make masks,” she said.
Smith said the group found purpose in the work they were doing.
“We could not imagine ending the initiative, so decided to continue with it under the name Helping Hands from the Heart.
“The initiative grew, adding the creation of blankets, pet jackets and knitted baby clothes to the arsenal of goods to be donated.
“When we have specific orders for masks and pet beds we ask only for a donation. The funds raised is used to buy more material to create masks,” said Smith.
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“The response from the volunteers was amazing and despite many of them returning to work or sitting with children doing home-schooling, we managed to continue serving our community.”
During June and July, the group distributed over 3 000 masks to organisations in need.
“We have also knitted enough strips to distribute about 35 blankets, and we have distributed many blankets, doggy jackets, beanies, baby jerseys, bed socks and more to organisations in need.”
Aside from making masks to donate, Jennie also makes novelty masks which she sells to raise funds to buy more materials.
“I love sewing and crafts. My mother loved sewing and it’s a passion that was passed down.”
She is already eyeing her next project and hopes to bring smiles to children’s faces through the donations her and her team will create.
Before taking on the coordination of the Bedfordview masks project, Jennie was actively helping by knitting Alzheimer’s blankets for the elderly patients in a number of care homes.
“The mask project has been rewarding and has kept me busy during lockdown. Without this I don’t know what I would have done,” she said.
Smith added that materials donated to Helping Hands that cannot be used for masks are re-gifted to a woman in Kensington who helps young women learn to sew.
The Bedfordview mask project will in August take on a Women’s Day theme and will be called The Blank Canvas Project, though which women can buy a plain mask and decorate it however they feel.
“Ideally the decorating of the mask should represent the journey a women went through to be who they are today,” Smith said.
Three winning masks will be chosen to each receive a prize.
Anyone who is able to donate a prize is welcome to contact Jennie on 083 414 7500.
Any donations of materials are always welcomed and arrangements for delivery should be make with Jennie.
