Toronto Urban Native Ministry Callout! Project

Thanks for answering our call out for fabric face masks.

(A link to the pattern can be found at the bottom of the page)

We know many are eager to help in compassionate action and do something to help out during the global pandemic while social distancing. We have found there is a need in our marginalized homeless and vulnerable community and we would like with your help to try to answer this need!

With the current COVID-19 pandemic there is a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). In order to keep our community healthy and safe, Toronto Urban Native Ministry (TUNM) is releasing a call out for fabric masks from all sewers. We want to see community members in Toronto, especially the vulnerable trying to exercising social distancing while wearing their fabric masks in a humane and dignified manner. This pattern has been developed for this need.

If you are making masks for a particular organization or institution you are welcome to use this template but please contact them for approval. However, our callout to the broader community is for volunteers to help us meet the needs of the marginalized community members. These wonderful gifts of fabric masks will be distributed in our care packages and to frontline volunteers within the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Urban Native Ministry Callout! Project

Who are the masks for in the hopes of reducing disease transmission?

1. For the vulnerable population who are marginalized or homeless

2. For members of the broader community in the downtown corridors of Toronto

3. For frontline volunteers

What will I need to make a mask?

We are promoting a simple 2-ply, pleated mask design with an insert pocket. Along with standard sewing supplies (sewing machine, measuring tape, etc.), you will also need:

1. Dark-coloured fabric for the outside of the mask (this could be substituted with a breathable polyester blend if 100% cotton is not available)

2. Light solid-coloured 100% cotton for the part of the mask that goes against the skin

3. Cloth bias ties for ear loops (note: If cloth ties are not available, elastic for ear loops can be used)

PLEASE, pre-shrink fabric prior to cutting out the masks. We will also wash all masks before distributing them through our care package.

Where do I deliver the sewn masks?

Please put your sewn masks in a plastic bag with your contact information (name, address, email and phone number). Providing your contact information is optional and will be used by TUNM to thank you for participating in this Callout! Project on our Facebook page. Please, make arrangements for delivery of your completed masks by emailing the Social & Pastoral Care Worker at s.camptunm@yahoo.ca If you wish, the masks can be shipped or mailed to the address:

Toronto Urban Native Ministry, 6 Trinity Square, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1B1 .

How can the masks be cleaned by the wearer?

We recommend washing the masks daily with hot water and laundry detergent.

Thank you for doing your part to keep people in our community safe.