In speaking with one of my oldest friends who is a Care Worker, I learned of how serious the shortage remains for sufficient protection for our Care Workers. Her concern for the health and well being of their patients was foremost and it inspired me to go home and make as many masks as I could from the cotton fabrics I had. I was able to provide them with 49 masks. Enough for them to have a couple each...but still not a sufficient enough amount. This was only one care home...it made me wonder how the other care homes were fairing...and of how vital it is that they have as much protection as possible for themselves and for the vulnerable and high risk clients that they care for, at work and away.

I am the owner of IMAGINE, 9 Lossie Wynd, Elgin and like other businesses we have been forced to close the shop and wanted to try and use our time positively. The products we sell come from a range of artisan craft workers, so it seemed like a great idea to tap into those skills. Many of the artists I work with came forward and offered to help, so, having researched and experimented I found a simple design that could be produced in the home. I made contact with a local care home to see if they might be interested and knew there was a demand so I contacted Gill & Tina at Elgin BID to see if they could help pull everything together and here we are. They did not hesitate and have been very instrumental in identifying the needs of our local care homes, seeking volunteers to sew the masks and working with me on two fund raising ideas.

In two days we have received requests for 780 face masks for over 300 care workers. It is important to state that they have PPE for whilst working in the care homes...however most have no protection whatsoever when they are away from the care home. Gill Neill Chief Executive of Elgin BID said, “while the masks we are able to make are not PPE, the homes are keen to have them for their staff when they leave the home, helping them to return to work safely.

The project offers a practical way for the public to come forward and do something positive. Care workers leave their place of work at the end of a shift, returning later to carry on with the amazing work they do, but being outside and meeting others runs a risk, the aim is that these masks help to offer a level of protection.

Together with Elgin BID, we have sought support from volunteers who have come forward to use their skills. We have volunteer drivers to safely deliver the materials to make the face masks and to deliver to the care homes, adhering to safe social distancing practices.

We need to raise funds to purchase the materials required to make these masks.We are asking for your help to help those who are at higher risk due to their jobs and to show them our gratitude and continued support by offering them protection and peace of mind. Every little bit adds up and makes a very large difference...so please give what you are able...it is greatly appreciated!!!

We are unable to offer 'rewards' for donations...however, we have created a second fundraising platform...

I again reached out to our artists and they rose to the challenge, many, including myself, have donated beautiful handcrafted pieces that will be auctioned on the Elgin BID Facebook page . The Auction will start at 12.00 noon on Friday 22th May and close at 12.00 noon on Wedneaday 27th May. All proceeds will be used to cover the costs of production, if there is any money left this will be donated to the Food Bank in Elgin.

Some of these items include an original oil on canvas painting by Lesley Boyd, a mounted panoramic photo by Peter Harvey/Speyside Images, a 6 oz leather and stainless steel hip flask, 2 x 19" tall unicorn dolls, a hand embossed silk scarf, crystals, a special edition NHS mantle clock and more...

The project offers everyone the chance to act and help their local care workers.

With our deepest gratitude..