Here’s how to protect yourself (and others!) and support a local business at the same time.
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With social distancing orders still very much in effect across Canada, fashion brands are increasingly coming up with ways to help support the community at this time, including pivoting manufacturing to produce PPE for hospitals and frontline workers. Now, a handful of brands have also committed to producing face masks for consumers to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. You can, of course, make your own mask using materials you probably already have at home, or you can purchase a ready-made mask from one of the following brands:
Olive + Splash
Designer Melanie Wong has adopted a very clever approach for distributing the masks she is making for consumers as part of her fashion brand Olive + Splash. Wong has created face masks from bamboo cotton, which is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, and customers can pick up their purchases via a ‘drive-through experience’ at the brand’s warehouse in Ontario to ensure safety. The masks are available in seven colours and two sizes for adults and children with adjustable loop ends.
The masks are available as singles or in a pack of three, with prices starting at $20. Get yours here.
Izzy Camilleri
Teaming up with Montreal-born jewellery Maison Birks, Canadian designer Izzy Camilleri has designed a collection of masks made from an eco-friendly, washable material. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the masks (made from a cotton, polyester and spandex blend) have two different types of elastic positioning – behind the ears, as well as behind the head for those with limited dexterity.
The masks are available for single purchase or in a pack of three with prices starting at $15. For every mask purchased, the brands will donate one to a hospital worker across Canada. Get yours here.
SHAN
Quebec-based brand SHAN has made medical-grade protection equipment available for consumers. The brand has made waterproof protective gowns, as well as face masks. The pieces are all machine washable and the masks have been made with an eco-friendly fabric. The unisex masks are available in S/M and M/L and the gowns are made in one universal size.
The masks are priced at $15 each, and the gowns are $49. Get yours here.
Peace Collective
Toronto-based clothing retailer Peace Collective has designed a series of masks for consumers that are now available for purchase. The machine-washable, reusable masks are made using 100% cotton and include a filter sheet, which the brand says “adds an extra layer of support to facilitate safe breathing and to ensure that harmful particles are removed.” Additionally, the mask has been made with nose wire to help shape the mask to each individual face. The masks are available in a variety of colours, with various slogans: Stay Home Toronto, Stay Home, Home is Toronto, Home is Canada and Peace Collective.
The masks are available in packs of 2, 3, 6 and 12, with prices starting at $30. For every mask purchased, the brand will donate one to someone working on the front line. Get yours here.