Kind local volunteers need material for vital equipment

LOCAL people who are making vital equipment for healthcare staff to use while working throughout the pandemic are appealing for donations of material.

A group of people are making draw string bags for healthcare workers to safely transport their uniforms home from work.

The bags can be placed straight into the washing machines, reducing the risk of cross infection.

Susanna McKenna from outside Ballygawley is now pleading for cotton or poly cotton fabric donations, and says it is vitally important to get donations to keep the healthcare staff safe.

Speaking to the Herald, she said, “Due to the coronavirus, I found myself out of work from my day spa – Dunmoyle Forest Spa – and I decided to do something to give something back.

“We are hoping to get donations of pillow cases or fabric which we can then sew to suit.

“It would be amazing to get some donations from a fabric company because we have been inundated with demand and some of us are running out of fabric at the minute.”

Annette Kelly, who is head of art at St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley has been doing a lot of the sewing for the bags, along with help from her daughter Aimee.

The women are part of the Scrubs NI group which was founded by Omagh woman Clara Maybin.

The group now has thousands of members who are working hard to make scrubs for the healthcare staff who are working on the front line during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you have material that you would like to donate, there is a drop off point at the Dunnes Stores Car Park on Wednesdays at 4pm, or email niscrubsomagh@gmail.com.

All orders must be sent via email, and please include contact details, ward/unit function and sizes and allow at least ten days for the order to be processed.

To join the team and lend a helping hand, message the Facebook page – NI Scrubs – Carrickmore, Loughmacrory, Creggan, Beragh and Sixmilecross.

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