Dubbo: Face Mask Madness overtakes Toilet Paper Madness

The suggestion to make masks and sell them for Dubbo Can Assist seemed innocent enough. Dusty sewing machines were brought out of cupboards, by rusty workers. Cutters, snippers, ironers and sewers all worked tirelessly in a couple of hastily set up work rooms. The Outback Dragon boaters came on board, and the Covid19 decommissioned zoo volunteers hopped in to help. First the elastic ran out, then the black fabric. Who would have envisaged that !!!!!

After three weeks of sewing, extensive orders and much chat and laughter, Can Assist volunteers have passed the baton to others to continue to mask our community and keep us all safe. Many thanks to all who provided assistance, materials and by purchasing the masks.

For us slightly senior volunteers, who have practiced all health safety measures and lockdowns meticulously, this exercise has allowed us to enjoy the camaraderie with our peers. At a time when we were unable to raise funds, in the normal ways, to help our local cancer patients, we have boosted our coffers, by approximately $8,000. In total we created about 1200 masks, and we still have them available at Macquarie Homestay ( the Dubbo Base accommodation facility) and Dubbo Culinary and Homewares.