Scrub and mask group’s huge effort for frontline

The Derry Masks and Scrubs Making Group was set up due to a shortage of PPE at the start of the global pandemic.

More than 20 sewers used their impressive needle work skills to fill the gap and supplied scrubs and masks to care workers and others on the frontline who needed them.

The group was co-ordinated by local women Aideen Hughes and Anne MacCrossan and fabric was purchased through donations.

Earlier this week, the group donated the remaining funds, over £1,200, to Foyle Food Bank.

Aideen Hughes told the ‘Journal’ the initiative involved a ‘real community effort’. “The people involved in the group were really inspiring. There were women stitching 30 plus sets of scrubs on domestic sewing machines. The husband of one member helped out fixing machines, as a lot of them were breaking down. They all gave up their time and skills to help out.

“For many of them it was great to have something to focus on during lockdown. It was providing practical help and keeping their mind busy, as many people weren’t working or were working from home and worrying about Covid.”

She said the group is being wound down now as the urgent need for scrubs and masks has subsided and regular supply chains are back in operation.

“Our orders had started to slow down and we decided it was time to wind the group up as we had done what needed to be done. Everyone who needed scrubs and masks, from care homes, to chemists, opticians, social workers, all have them. We are very proud we were able to help out .”

The group also supplied masks to members of the public for a small donation. They have a surplus and intend to distribute them to local charity shops so people can buy them now they are mandatory on public transport.

Aideen added that the group decided to donate funds to Foyle Food Bank as “we know they are under a lot of pressure at the moment.”