Rotary outreach in the York community

 Face Masks in the York community

Earlier in 2020, Rotary York Ainsty (RYA) thought it would be helpful to update supporters on progress of the community face masks project to produce and distribute 3,000 eco-friendly face masks, free of charge, within the community. THis target was surpassed early ion the project. RYA is  impressed that so many York volunteers assisted with this initiative for varied York communities. 

For those 70 plus volunteers who are supporting the RYA Community Face Mask project, then RYA would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ for the time, energy and effort that you have invested in this initiative. 

The feedback from users has been very positive: 'really comfortable to wear', 'easy to wash and iron', 'the material, and therefore the impact, is unique', 'I love my red tartan one – suits my personality', 'I feel safer with my three layered mask on' are just some of the user comments. This is down to the supporters and the part they have played and are playing in the project. 

As of August end the RYA team has collectively made and packed more than 4,500 masks – a phenomenal result - thank you to them again. Of this RYA has already delivered in bulk 3,200 masks to York based charities (listed below). Rotary York Ainsty is really changing the lives of many people who are in real need: The Salvation Army, Home-Start, Tang Hall Community Centre, City of York Housing Services, Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, Changing Lives, refugees in the City of Sanctuary scheme, IDAS, York Foodbank and other church sponsored food banks.

Rotarian Mike Rawnsley with the RYA Kiosk with the Copmanthorpe community outreach kiosk (click on image for a larger version)

In addition to the various charities, RYA members have been out and about in the York communities in Poppleton, Copmanthorpe, Askham Richard, Huntington and Acomb. Masks were also provided to doctor’s surgeries for those patients who turn up for an appointment without a face mask!     

As a charity Rotary York Ainsty completes many fund-raising activities and should you wish to donate towards supporting our charitable initiatives including the community face mask project, then please go to www.justgiving.com/rotary-ainsty, follow the instructions and, if you are able to, please give as much as you can. Thank you very much for your support.     

You can find out more about all of Rotary York Ainsty’s community activities, including how to take part in this and other projects at: www.tinyurl.com/rotaryyorkainsty. 

Rotarian Andrew Wordie at the Copmanthorpe outreach morning (click on image for a larger version)

The Poppleton outreach stall (click on image for a larger version)

Finished production line for the face masks (click on image for a larger version)