Masks of hope from young St David’s Marist learner
With an initial target set for 100, Matthew now aims to make as many masks as he can during the lockdown.
Meet the Rays of Hope Foundation’s youngest mask maker, 13-year-old Matthew Cole from St David’s Marist Inanda. To date, Matthew has made close to 130 masks which he made himself, four of which are included in the food hampers that the foundation donates to vulnerable families in Alexandra.
The Lonehill resident got involved with the foundation after looking for something to do to obtain his community service hours for school during lockdown. “Normally I would have volunteered to work at the SPCA but this is not allowed. My mom saw that Rays of Hope were looking for help in making masks so I had to volunteer,” he said.
Matthew learned how to sew from his mother Marcie when their family traveled down to the coast for a holiday.
“I made cushions for presents and to sell for a little pocket money,” he said.
With an initial target set for 100, Matthew now aims to make as many masks as he can during the lockdown. “I started making the masks during my April holidays because the lockdown had already started.”
Because the foundation provided Matthew with the fabric needed to make the masks, he would like to encourage anyone who can help to make donations to the Rays of Hope Foundation. “[They] would appreciate any food donations, financial donations for hampers, fabric masks or financial donations for masks,” said Matthew.
Details: www.raysofhope/hope4alex
