Scientists for the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Coronavirus has been mutating, with faster transmission rates being recorded among numerous countries experiencing rising cases. In B.C., new cases are slowly spiking again and many public places in Vancouver, including schools and grocery stores, are re-implementing the mask mandate. 
In response to the urgent need for masks, the Lotus Light Charity Society (LLCS) has mobilized a group of volunteers to sew 10,000 fabric masks to be distributed free to those in need. Many charities and non-profit organizations contacted the LLCS to inquire and order free fabric masks and on August 20, the charity sent out its first batch to an organization serving hundreds of low-income families in the Downtown Eastside (DTES).
Despite the success of producing the first batch of fabric masks, there were also numerous challenges associated with producing so many masks within a tight timeframe; the most adverse challenge was manpower.
Since the provincial government entered Phase 3 of the Business Restart Plan, many volunteers who initially promised to help were unable to complete tasks as they were forced to return to work. Nevertheless, the charity worked with the volunteers they had and divided the process among four groups.
The largest group was composed of 12 volunteers who were responsible for cutting and sewing the masks. The rate of mask production depended on their proficiency, which varied daily as most volunteers could only sit down to sew masks outside of their work and housework hours. The second group, composed of 6 volunteers, was responsible for attaching the elastic bands to the masks, which took roughly 5 hours for 120 masks. At first glance, this appears to be a simple task, yet it took the longest time to complete. The third group consisted of 5 volunteers who were responsible for ironing the masks; one volunteer ironed roughly 40 masks an hour. The fourth group, a team of 3, packaged the completed masks into bags with attached instructions.
Ideally, the LLCS hoped to recruit more volunteers to assist with this ambitious project, but the LLCS is incredibly proud of its volunteers who worked five to six hours a day to produce more than 10,000 masks in a month and a half. The LLCS would like to extend sincere thanks to the volunteers who sacrificed their sleep and free time to make this project successful. We are so grateful for your hard work and dedication.
