By Erin Hansen
Rotarians love to take action, and in these unprecedented times, that hasn’t changed. We know many of the charities we support are struggling financially. Most fundraisers typically involve mass gatherings, which have been necessarily cancelled. Rotary is having challenges raising money for the charities we support too. So that means we have to think outside the box.
Although it might be difficult to give financial donations to our charities, we can at least help them save money. We decided to give them tangible goods they would otherwise have to purchase. Now that New Brunswick is starting to lift restrictions, washable community masks have become a necessity.
Meet Sharon Niles, chair of our Covid-19 Mask Making Committee, and a gifted seamstress. She had the know how to put into action a mask-making initiative suggested by a fellow Rotarian. The club purchased the materials and with her leadership, several club members helped her wash, cut, sew, and deliver 290 free cloth masks and they’re not done yet!
So far, Moncton Headstart, NB Association for Community Living, Youth Impact, the Moncton and Riverview Boys and Girls Clubs, Food Depot Alimentaire, and Crossroads for Women have all had their initial mask supply needs met. Go team!!!
