In an effort to reduce the shortage of personal protective equipment needed by essential workers to stop the spread of COVID-19, startup Sampler sent out 2,000 sewing kits for fans to make non-medical-grade masks for essential workers in Toronto. The initiative is hoping to produce up to 20,000 new masks that will be donated to shelter and grocery store workers.
“COVID-19 is impacting everyone and like many others in our community, Sampler was looking for a way to do its part,” said Marie Chevrier, founder of Sampler. “I’m so inspired that so many of our members were willing to leverage their sewing skills to produce 20,000 masks that will help protect essential workers and other key members of our community.”
Image Credit: Sampler
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- DIY Mask-making
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop user-friendly DIY mask-making kits for consumers to make non-medical-grade masks at home for personal use.
- Community Collaboration
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms or networks that connect individuals with the skills and resources to help produce essential items during times of crisis.
- Non-medical PPE Production
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish efficient channels for the production and distribution of non-medical personal protective equipment (PPE) to support essential workers.
Sectors Adopting This
- Craft & DIY
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new craft and DIY products that cater to the growing demand for at-home mask-making and other DIY projects.
- Community Service
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop platforms or services that facilitate community service initiatives, connecting volunteers with organizations that need support in times of crisis.
- Non-profit & Social Services
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize technology and innovation to streamline the production and distribution processes within non-profit organizations, particularly during emergencies.
