Local mask-making group donates 1000 masks to Erie Shores HealthCare

By Ron Giofu

AMHERSTBURG — The growth of a locallybased Facebook group has now led to a donation to an area hospital, with more donations planned.

The group MASKS4ALL Amherstburg/ Windsor-Essex County has completed the first 1,000 masks they have pledged to donate to Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) and turned the masks over to ESHC Director of Communications, Arms Bumanlag, last Friday morning at Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe in Amherstburg. Group administrative coordinator Krystle Bernauer said they got word that the Leamington hospital needed the masks and the group came together to make the donation happen.

Bernauer pointed out that Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe was the pick-up location, as the Middle Side Road business has been very helpful to the group.

“They are providing all of the fabric, elastics and all the supplies we need on a discounted basis,” said Bernauer, “so we can continue to do this.”

Bernauer and an army of approximately 70 volunteers come together to create the masks and donate them to doctors and dental offices, local retailers and private citizens to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. After Erie Shores HealthCare put out a call that they needed more masks, MASKS4ALL Amherstburg/Windsor-Essex reached out and agreed to help. The 1,000 masks were made in just one week, Bernauer stated.

“The ladies stepped up and made the masks for them,” she said.

The social media group also features men and women who help cut fabric, deliver masks and assist in whatever task needs to be done. Bernauer said they will continue to make masks for those in need and hope to continue making as many as 200 masks per week for ESHC during their time of need.

Lorelei and Krystle Bernauer load some of the 1,000 masks donated to Erie Shores HealthCare into the vehicle of director of communications Arms Bumanlag. Krystle is the administrative co-ordinator of the Facebook group MASKS4ALL Amherstburg/Windsor-Essex County. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

“Thank you to the community for supporting our cause,” said Bernauer. “We’re going to continue as long as there is a need.”

Bumanlag said ESHC has about 100-120 people daily coming through its COVID-19 assessment centres and said the masks will be used for those who come in without one at the assessment centre in the hospital.

Just because restrictions are starting to ease and people are able to get out more doesn’t mean the COVID-19 pandemic is over, Bumanlag pointed out, and masks are still needed in area hospitals. He noted Erie Shores HealthCare put out a call and were “blessed” to be able to establish a community partnership with MASKS4ALL Amherstburg/Windsor-Essex.

“We got a phone call from the group and they said, ‘we are on it’,” said Bumanlag.

When ESHC is able to allow visitors, the masks will be also used for them.

“Amherstburg, being my hometown, this makes me feel good,” he added. “Our patients say thank you as well.”

Cheryl Barber, who owns Rose Cottage Quilt Shoppe, said they hope to have volunteers come to the store during the evening to help mass produce more masks. The number of people and the frequency of when the volunteers come out will depend on need and availability, she noted.

“I’m open to having as many nights as we need,” said Barber. “We’ve been glad to help out. This has been a good partnership.”