Toronto-based custom clothier challenges Canadians to create personal-use facemasks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
[Toronto, ON] April 6, 2020: King & Bay, a Toronto-based custom clothier, has launched the #SOYBFaceMaskChallenge in response to government calls for businesses to step up and help mitigate the risk of depleted medical supplies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Shirt Off Your Back” (SOYB) challenge encourages Canadians to create a personal-use facemask from an article of clothing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and to help ensure medical N95 respiratory masks are prioritized for frontline medical workers. As part of the challenge, King & Bay has created an instructional video showcasing how a sewing machine and an old cotton shirt can quickly and easily become a facemask. The masks, while not meant to replace the functionality of an N95 mask, are optimal for personal, every day use and keeping hands away from your face, nose and mouth.
“During these challenging and uncertain times, we want to provide a means for average Canadians to contribute in a meaningful way from their homes,” says Aashif Jamani, King & Bay Master Clothier. “Every personal-use mask made through this challenge is a N95 mask that can be saved for frontline medical workers.”
In response to a call from Dr. Jeff Powis (Medical Director, Infection Prevention & Control and Associate Medical Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Michael Garron Hospital) and the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, many of the masks will be donated to the East Toronto hospital. Dr. Powis notes that the masks will be distributed to all approved visitors who enter Michael Garron Hospital, and all of their discharged patients as they reintegrate into the community, along with the broader community with the goal of helping to prevent disease transmission.
To get involved with the King & Bay #SOYBFaceMaskChallenge, participants can visit mykingandbay.com/soyb for more information and to view the instructional video. King & Bay is also encouraging people to share their stories and photos of their masks through social media, tagging @mykingandbay and using the hashtag #SOYBFaceMaskChallenge.
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About King & Bay:
Toronto’s most discerning clients trust the Master Clothiers at King & Bay to interpret their personal style and dress them in custom garments with quality and sophistication. We also offer a premium event option in our stunning private lounge for companies who want to leverage their brand through an intimate, quality interaction with guests. Whether you visit us for a custom garment design or to explore our event possibilities, King & Bay is the perfect fit.