Sault group switches from making menstrual products to face masks

Group switches production to non-medical masks A Sault Ste. Marie group known for making menstrual products is switching its production to non-medical masks.

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault's "Days for Girls" chapter and Sault Area Hospital Foundation are joining forces to produce more non-medical masks.

The partnership comes after the hospital's projection of needing 1000 masks per week.

"It's an extremely tough task," said Gabi Doleske, leader of the Sault's Days for Girls.

"It takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes just to produce one, so we need all the help we can get."

Despite the challenge Doleske says answering the hospital foundation's call for help was the right thing to do.

"We were already making masks before being asked for help," said Doleske. "So, since we had that system in place, we've been able to call on a list of roughly 300 people for help at any given time."

Doleske says the group is currently looking for 100 percent cotton products to sew the masks.

They are also in need of floral wire and elastics for the nose tip of the masks.

"We really, really, really need all the cotton we can get," she said. "We're certainly prepared to buy some from stores if we can get them open, because I think we're pretty much tapping out the city of Sault Ste. Marie."

Days for Girls is making five sizes for the hospital, ranging from child size to extra-large.

It's based on a design that was chosen by the hospital.

"There's a very distinct pattern that needs to be followed," said Doleske. "A lot of our volunteers struggle at first, but that's quite alright."

The chapter is also making masks for retirement homes, in addition to the hospital.

With that, Doleske is looking for anyone who can help make them or share supplies.