As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise in B.C., public health officials are continuing to encourage mask-wearing as one important way to help prevent the spread of the virus when physical distancing is difficult.
But as one Vancouver-based business realized recently, procuring a comfortable and reliable protective face covering might not be so simple for some members of the community.
That's why Checkpoint One Apparel decided to lend a hand.
Josh Thiessen, the company's director of operations, dropped by the Downtown Eastside Women's Shelter on Thursday, alongside two staff members, to donate and distribute 300 masks to shelter residents.
“This year has been a tough one for many, and if we can help in some small way, it is important to do so,” said Jeff McCormack, Checkpoint One Apparel's CEO, in a release.
Amidst concerns of a potential second wave, "we all have-to-do our best to be safe and practice social distancing," the company added in the release.
"In the wake of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to give back to the community in any way possible."
In addition to the donation, the business - which serves as a parent company for 12 web-based apparel brands - is also looking to help out those searching for more sustainable mask options. Earlier this year, one of the company's brands released a fun TikTok tutorial showing viewers how to make their own face masks from old T-shirts. Check it out below!
@tshirt.ca Make yourself a face mask out of a spare t-shirt! ##fyp ##foryoupage ##facemask ##facemaskchallenge ##happyathome ##stayathome ##celebratedoctors
♬ original sound - tshirt.ca
