A local fashion designer has moved to use her skills to assist those in need in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by making and donating masks to those in need.
Akeisha Cave has distributed 2,000 customised masks to hospital workers, essential workers and those in need after being inspired by the Million Masks Challenge. “I was actually inspired by the ‘Million Masks Challenge’…where stores all around the world are making masks and distributing them to hospitals and people in need,” cave told Stabroek Weekend.
Cave stated that as a fashion designer, she felt as though it was her duty to assist.
She explained that the process of making a single mask takes about 8 minutes and she also assured that all materials are washed and thereafter sanitized to assure the cleanliness of the finished product.
Cave said whomever asks can receive masks. “I don’t have [a selection process]…a lot of people have reached out [who are] essential workers and they would come and uplift masks,” she noted. Cave also mentioned that people would identify families who may be at extreme risk and those who may not be able to provide themselves with the necessary equipment to combat the virus.
The 24-year-old started the initiative on April 2, and plans to continue for as long as it is needed. “I will do this for as long as I physically can [with] the energy [and] the equipment [so] I’ll be doing this as long as I need to,” she added.
Cave indicates that there are just about 2,000 people who have benefitted from the program since the commencement on April 2. “Approximately 2,000 persons have benefitted from the project so far and that’s mainly because it’s [just] me,” she noted, while highlighting that with more people coming on board, more things can be achieved by the initiative.
Cave highlighted, however, that dedicating time, effort and finances to this distribution is no easy task. “I did take a break because I got really exhausted”, she noted. The full time Executive Assistant at the Masterclass Institute is grateful for the support she has received from private citizens from across the country. “[Donations are received] from persons around the country who are inspired by the project and would like to give back to society as well”, she mentioned.
Cave added that it is extremely important to wear a mask, and she believes her initiative will provide many people with the free opportunity to protect themselves from the virus to some extent. “Even though the fabric masks aren’t as effective as surgical masks…I believe that it is important for us to wear a mask because COVID-19 is no joke”, she asserted.
She highlighted that many people are not fortunate enough to be able to purchase masks, so the donation of these masks to those families have been and will continue to be helpful. “To be able to give back to society in such a small way is very important to me…if we can do something as small as donating a yard of fabric… I feel like that’s a huge thing for those who cannot afford to have a mask,” she said.
The fashion designer is urging Guyanese to take the virus seriously. Cave is encouraging people to not just have the masks, but wear the masks properly. “It’s so important for us to view COVID-19 as something serious… I just hope we can place some level of seriousness to it and be very cautious,” she highlighted.
