What is the Flatten the Curve Handmade Masks Project?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of healthcare professionals and industry experts have committed to manufacture homemade face coverings.
Our goal is to provide masks to at-risk individuals, refugees, staff working in medical clinics, hospices, women's shelters, mental health homes, and home support agencies, where access to approved personal protection equipment (PPE) is limited.
An ambitious goal
Our pilot goal was to distribute 2,000 FTC Masks by May 15, 2020, or sooner. We exceed this goal by 50%. Masks were needed immediately for at-risk individuals—so the sooner we start producing, the sooner we get them into the hands of those who need them. Following our pilot project, we've set a new goal of 3,200 more masks by December 31, 2020. Included in our new goal is the delivery of 600 mask kits to new refugees arriving in Metro Vancouver.
The benefits of handmade masks
In recent weeks well-respected researchers have recommended that in the absence of PPE hospital standard surgical masks (N-95) respirators, handmade masks will reduce the transmission of the virus. Flatten the Curve Handmade Masks (FTC Masks) do not meet PPE standards, and there is no assurance that a mask such as this will offer full protection from COVID-19. However, research indicates that the use of a homemade mask will limit exposure if the user encounters a contact or is a carrier of COVID-19.
What design is best?
We know there are many different patterns and designs—a Google search brings up pages of them. The selection process involved our designer producing 100 masks and testing them with local health professionals. Based on global research (including studies from Cambridge, San Francisco, and Stirling universities), best practices, and the preferred mask of our local health care professionals, we have selected a simple pleated, three-layered mask that hooks behind both ears.
You Can Help Flatten the Curve
Volunteer today
If you are a sewer with access to a sewing machine and time on your hands to dedicate to sewing masks for an excellent cause.
Support us with a contribution
We do not charge for our masks. However, we welcome donations to cover the costs of buying fabric, elastic, etc. Sorry, we cannot issue tax receipts.
Project Team
Project Lead + Best Practices
Susan Scott Gabe
S Gabe & Associates
Planning
Audrey Ple + Irving Ozier
Magenta Marketing
Medical Advisor
Dr. David Hunt
Mask Designer and Production
Lynne Gray
Communications + Creative Design
Joyce Ozier
Outreach
Anne Rowland
Volunteer Coordinator
Myrna Leslie
Research and Adult Education
Dr. Shauna Butterwick
Treasurer
Tim Wyman
Website
Teresa Beere Johnson
Eco-Masks
Project Goal
Contributors
- Alex Currie
- Allison Tom
- Barb Brand
- Barbara Ross
- Bernice Willoughby
- Brenda Pengelly
- Danielle Semple
- Daphne Meredith
- Darlene Goresky
- Dr. David Hunt
- Donna Motzer
- Elizabeth Clarke
- Elizabeth Evans-Davies
- Felicia Folk
- Frank Harris
- Greg Burrows
- Ivana Misci
- Jay Orosa
- Joanne Gassman
- Kirin Jeffrey
- Louise Houta
- Lynn Williams
- Madeleine Baker
- Marion Geros
- Marylou Harrigan
- Nancy Galini
- Pamela Armstrong
- Pia and Mel
- Pierre Heuskin
- Richard Mew
- Shauna Butterwick
- Susan Scott Gabe
- Susan Tick
- Tim Wyman
- Victor Grundy