– calls on seamstresses, fabric stores to get on board

By Naomi Parris
IN an effort to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, a young fashion designer has embarked on an initiative to make as many fabric masks as she can and distribute them to hospitals and persons who need them, free of cost.

Akeisha Ayanna told Guyana Chronicle that the initiative derived from a worldwide movement where seamstresses across the world have decided to make fabric face mask to distribute to hospitals and persons in vulnerable situations.

However, Akeisha stated that she was a bit undecided since the mask were said to not be 100 per cent effective. Nevertheless, she made the first mask on Thursday morning and proceeded to make a post on social media as a means of recruiting more people to get on board with the drive.

“About 10 days ago, I saw a post online about the million mask challenge and the title was sewers all around the world are coming together to make homemade mask for hospitals and those in need. After I saw it, there was a bit of uncertainty in me because I hadn’t done a lot of research about the homemade mask. Also, I heard that they are not as effective as the M95 or the surgical mask,” the young woman explained.
The young woman added that within minutes of making the post, it quickly went viral and she began receiving a tremendous outpour of support and requests from persons all across the country.

“I’ve been getting an overwhelming amount of support… I see people reaching out to me from hinterland regions asking if I would be willing to consider moving the initiative to their parts of the country,” she stated

Given the seriousness of the pandemic, the young woman said she saw the initiative as a ‘I help you, you help me’ community project where persons can lend a hand to those who are in need of the basic necessities during the outbreak.

Akeisha is also urging all those who own a sewing machine or those who may have fabric to get on board with the movement to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Persons who wish to donate materials to this project (100 per cent cotton material, thin elastic, fusible interfacing, thread, even Singer sewing machine needles (90/14)) can do so by calling 611-7920.