ABERDEEN NEWS - Aberdeen resident Judith Dardis, has not been sitting idly at home during lockdown, but has made over 700 face masks since March, most of which have been distributed to the needy at no cost.
A keen quilter, Dardis decided to put her skills and equipment to good use. Initially, she was asked to make 100 masks for Aalwynhof Home for the Aged, as a project on behalf of the local WAA (VLV).
Aalwynhof provided some sheets, and with the help of a few other members, Dardis made 100 masks for the staff and patients.
In the meantime, she became aware of a need in the community, and as a DA project, with support from MP Samantha Graham-Maré, she embarked on what has at times seemed a never-ending task to provide free masks for those who cannot afford to buy them. She used her own stash of material and when that ran out, generous donations of material, cotton and elastic from community members, and just carried on cutting and sewing. Most days she completes about 30 masks.
Graham-Maré also donated a large bolt of material and patients at the local clinic, as well as those waiting in queues at the bank for SASSA payments, have been offered their choice of a branded or patterned mask.
She charged R20 per mask, for those who could afford to pay, and half of the money raised has been put aside for an emergency fund for anyone in desperate need. The rest has been used towards replacement of equipment parts, such as machine needles. Dardis's most recent project was to make close to 100 masks for learners returning to the two schools in Aberdeen on Monday.
"As long as I have material, and there is a need, I will keep making masks," said Dardis.
However, her stock of fabric is almost depleted. "Old sheets are perfect for masks: plenty of material, and easy to cut and sew," she said, adding that if anyone has any old sheets, or other material that they can spare, she would be grateful to receive them. She can be contacted on 084 591 7301. If anyone in Graaff-Reinet can help, collection arrangements can be made.
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