We’re excited to be collaborating with the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to deliver masks to the homeless throughout the next weeks of Shelter in Place. The perfect way to use our electric bikes during these testing times.
Academy of Art University School of Fashion students are undertaking a weekly mask-making project, constructing masks for the underserved community of San Francisco.
This project came about as fashion students discussed ways of helping those in need during these uncertain times. They felt the urgent need to respond to the recent announcement that Bay Area residents are now required to wear face coverings in public settings in order to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Masks continue to be challenging to obtain, and the ones that are available carry a price tag that does not make them accessible for many in need.
“I think it is our responsibility as humans, especially in a time of need, to be generous with our knowledge as well as our skills. We all have something to give, and sewing masks is a way I can share that,” Milijana Delic, MFA Fashion Design student enthusiastically explains.
The fashion design faculty are volunteering to assemble hundreds of mask-making kits for students containing new fabric, thread, and elastic provided by the University. These kits will then be delivered weekly to all student volunteers. And that’s where UBCO comes in.
We have volunteered to pick up completed masks from each student, then deliver the masks to those unable to shelter-in-place or social distance. Working with TogetherSF we’ll also deliver to homeless shelters, group homes, and assisted living communities, along with other non-profit organizations in need.
“Being able to have the faculty and students partner with TogetherSF and UBCO Bikes felt like a perfect way to build a community for our students and to feel connected while knowing we are helping the homeless population of San Francisco,” says Simon Ungless, Executive Director of School of Fashion.
We are pleased to be able to contribute in this small way.
Also worth reading, is this article by TogetherSF.