St. Martin`s Catholic School Supplying Ear Guards to Local Frontline Workers

St. Martin`s Catholic School Supplying Ear Guards to Local Frontline Workers

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

St. Martin`s Catholic School in Vegreville began 3D printing production of face mask ear guards for frontline workers at local hospitals on April 8.

They shared their story on the school`s Facebook page on April 11, and have been going full out ever since.

Assistant Principal Melanie Sorochan explained, “A few weeks ago, Charlene Bicknell, our Grade 4 teacher who loves technology, heard of a boy who was printing these headbands as part of his Boy Scouts group. He made his pattern available to others.”

Sorochan said they moved the school’s 3D Printer to Grade 6 teacher Lisa Salsbury’s home so they could print for longer hours. ``Lisa and her family have been printing ever since.”

Alexis Salsbury, left, and Lisa Salsbury, a staff member at St. Martin`s Catholic School, have been producing Facemask ear guards for frontline workers since April 8.

She described the response to the school`s Facebook post as overwhelming. ``Our school values our connection to our community, and we just wanted to give back and show our support for frontline workers. Since our story hit Facebook on Saturday we have sent headbands to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Two Hills Health Centre, local EMS, and have a package going to the Vegreville Care Centre Tuesday morning.``

In terms of production, each ear guard takes an hour to make. As of Noon on April 14, they had produced nearly 70 of them. The ear guards are free, and Sorochan said they have been very much appreciated, especially since many frontline workers are now required to wear their masks during their entire shift.

As far as other requests, Sorochan said, “We have had some of our student’s parents reach out and ask for family and friends who work in the healthcare industry and we have passed on to them as well. Monday evening a nurse from the Border City Clinic in Lloydminster asked for some so we are going to send some there.”

The plan is to keep printing the bands while there is a demand for them. Sorochan added that if anyone with a 3D printer wants to contribute, they can go to https://www.thingiverse. com/thing:4249113 for the pattern.