THUNDER BAY — With her classes at the University of Waterloo cancelled due to COVID-19, Olivia Young returned to Thunder Bay and found herself with time on her hands.
So the graduating optometry student decided to help friends who are front-line workers by making and donating cloth face masks to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.
Word quickly spread on social media, and Young started getting requests from others.
That's when she decided on a way to help people suffering from the impact of COVID-19.
"I just thought it was a good way to give back to the community," Young says.
She's contributing her time and materials to the project, and in turn is asking residents to make a financial contribution that she'll pass on to Roots to Harvest.
"It's because they're doing a lot of cool stuff right now to promote food access in the community. A lot of people are struggling right now, a lot of kids who rely on food programs through their school don't have that. A lot of families are struggling to put food on the table," Young told Tbnewswatch.
As of Monday morning, she had made 100 masks, with 70 more orders in the queue.
"I've been pretty busy, and I've raised almost $1,000 so far," Young said.
She's glad to have the opportunity to be useful in a time of need.
"I was just hanging out. I was struggling to keep busy and keep my own sanity, so it's good that I have something keeping me productive and making an impact on my community."
Young said she's grateful to Thunder Bay residents for stepping up to help Roots to Harvest.
"It's awesome that people are supporting others having such a hard time. Ultimately this is what's going to get us through this," she said.
Young can be contacted at hookandeyeembroidery@gmail.com.
