GivingTuesday 2020 – Why This Year’s Campaign is so Important

2020 has been a year unlike any other in our history.

And yet, ALS has not taken a break. It attacks without prejudice, without preference for race, gender, age or economic bracket. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, an unstable economy and fear of infection have been added to the already intense pressure of an ALS diagnosis, and what that can mean to a family’s health, future plans, finances, and day-to-day life.

The ALS Society of Alberta has not taken a break either – we have remained committed to our mission to make each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS, and committed to our families despite the challenges of this year. The Society continues to be a supporter and advocate while also providing the equipment so vital through the progression of this terminal disease.

Since the start of the COVID pandemic we have fulfilled over 440 equipment requests across the province, providing new equipment, replacements and repairs while using alternate delivery service models to follow safety protocols. These pieces from our Equipment Loan Program are provided free of charge, to ensure support is available when needed. The cost of equipment borrowed by our families over the course of the disease can range from tens of thousands to well over $100,000 – and thanks to the ALS Society of Alberta, this cost is reduced to $0. We take this massive financial burden that can accompany ALS off their shoulders.

Our Client Service team and Support Groups have also been key during the crisis, with check-ins and groups taking place virtually. By moving these support groups and personal check-ins online due to COVID-19, the number of people participating has actually increased, as those in rural areas can now take part with those in urban centres. The sense of community, especially during these times of isolation, has been so important for our clients, their families and caregivers.

COVID-19 has unfortunately also had a serious impact on our finances as a charity. The cancellation or modification of our fundraising events in 2020 has left us with a revenue shortfall of over $500,000. Due to the careful stewardship of funds from our donors, we have been able to continue through the pandemic. However, looking ahead to 2021 we are planning new ways to raise money to ensure that we can continue to support our families. The need for new funds coming into the ALS Society is indeed critical, and thus GivingTuesday 2020 is a key campaign as we look forward to the coming year.

GivingTuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Black Friday. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes. GivingTuesday harnesses the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. This year, the GivingTuesday goal of the ALS Society of Alberta is to raise funds to go towards our Client Service and Equipment Loan programs, while also using this time to come together as a community and share stories and support each other.

In the weeks leading up to December 1st, we will be featuring stories of some of our families, details on our programs, and even some contests. We hope that our community and friends will think of us on GivingTuesday to help us continue these programs that are so very important. As an independent provincial charity that receives zero government funding, the support of the public is imperative and so very much appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support! Please visit this page between now and December 1st to Donate, and share with your friends and families.

https://www.canadahelps.org/.../giving-day-campaign-2020/

GivingTuesday 2020

GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that happens each year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The “opening day of the giving season”, it’s a time when Canadians, charities and businesses come together to celebrate giving and participate in activities that support charities and non-profits.

This year, GivingTuesday falls on December 1st, and we will be providing lots more details about our campaign over the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages, or visit our link at CanadaHelps.

Today though, we would love to hear from you on why YOU support the ALS Society of Alberta.

Send us a short video or photo & statement explaining why you give, volunteer and support us in so many ways (alscommunications@alsab.ca). Of alternately, post it on Facebook or Instagram, tag us, and use the hashtags #GivingDayCA and #GivingDayALSAB. We will be compiling photos and videos and sharing stories over the coming weeks. We'd love to hear from you!

Fall 2020 Newsletter

The Fall 2020 Newsletter is now online! Click on table of contents below to get up to date on all of the ALS Society of Alberta’s news.

Fundraising Events in the Age of COVID

Over the past two decades, the ALS Society of Alberta has been so incredibly lucky for the support received from our community across this province. From Quonset Days to Karen’s Purple Shirt Party, Okotberfest to golf tournaments, our dedicated community has held events of all varieties as fundraisers for the Society. We are so grateful for the years of support.

Under the current restrictions of COVID-19, we know that many of you have had to cancel or adjust your scheduled events for this year, and have been inquiring about possible alternatives that you could perhaps run in 2020. Facebook’s fundraising option is one such alternative. Facebook can be a quick and easy way to raise money and engage your network of friends and family, especially during this time of physical distancing.

Here are some helpful facts about Facebook fundraisers.

• Go to facebook.com/fundraisers to get started and for more details

• Anyone can create a fundraiser for the ALS Society of Alberta by searching for “ALS Society of Alberta” from the list of registered charities.

• Donations are processed at no cost to the donor or to the individual who set up the fundraiser.

• Receipts are issued to the donor by email through Facebook.

• Donations are sent to the Society by Facebook through the PayPal Giving Fund.

• If you or your donors have questions about the setup, donations, receipts or refunds, you will need to contact Facebook Fundraiser Support Centre.

• The Society does not receive any contact information on the donors to your fundraiser.

• Facebook does not notify the Society when you set up a fundraiser. We hope you will inform us if you set one up, as we would like the opportunity to thank you for your support.

Please contact Meaghan or Paula at alscommunications@alsab.ca if you would like some additional information or any assistance.

Making it Possible - Lori's Lovebugs

Day 29 of Making It Possible – Lori’s Lovebugs

Today we’re going to feature a pretty amazing group that you may have heard of, Lori’s Lovebugs. Lori’s Lovebugs come from beautiful Camrose, Alberta and each year they walk as a team for their dear friend, mother, co-worker, Lori. Lori's story was featured on their Walk To End ALS fundraising page.

Here is Lori's story…" in the summer of 2018 I began experiencing slurred speech and weakness in my right hand. I was sent to see a specialist in Edmonton and on March 14th, 2019 I received the news that I was diagnosed with ALS.
This news was devastating but by the strength of my family and friends, I was able to find the strength and determination to fight this disease.
I want my message to people to be “Be strong, be positive, and never give up.”
I am losing my speech and the use of my hands but I continue to live a full and productive life surrounded by my husband, kids, grandkids, family, and friends.
As I continue with my journey I am surrounded by my family and friends who are on this path with me.
As most of you know there is no cure or and little treatment for this disease. It is underfunded and we ask for your donation in hopes of one day finding a treatment or cure."

We couldn’t help but want to share this amazing team’s story after seeing their commitment to the cause this year raising over $20,000 dollars for the Walk To End ALS.

Making it Possible - Cheryl Ward and Kylie Cooper

The following provides a view of ALS through the eyes of a child who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Cheryl Ward was diagnosed with ALS in March 2016 and sadly we lost her in October 2019. Cheryl was very proud of her Nephews and their families, and her Great Niece Kylie Cooper gave the following speech in February for her 4H Public Speaking presentation. Kylie is 11 years old and is a Junior in 4H. She chose the topic, then did all of the research herself and presented live to an audience of approximately 50 people. She won for her age level and was able to move on to District Level for presentation. Thank you, Kylie for providing such a wonderful tribute to your Great Aunt, while educating people about ALS.

Just One Wish

Close your eyes, go on! Now imagine yourself sitting in a doctor’s office and they tell you that you have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Open your eyes.

Good morning/afternoon madam chairperson, honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen, guests and fellow 4H members. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS, Lou Gehrigs, or motor neuron disease) is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow and eventually breath.

Our brain is connected to our muscles through millions of specialized nerve cells, called Motor Neurons. Motor Neurons act as our bodies “internal wiring” and allow us to move our bodies as we choose. The brain will send a signal along the motor neurons telling the muscle to move. This signal is an electrical impulse created by chemicals in our neurons. Which is what a person living with ALS loses the ability to do.

Unfortunately, my family is familiar with the disease as my Great Aunt Cheryl was one of the estimated 3,000 Canadians living with ALS. My Auntie Cheryl was diagnosed in March 2016, at the age of 65. 80% of the care is shouldered by family members, and the other 20% by the ALS Society of Alberta. People living with ALS require costly equipment to help them try to function as normal for as long as possible, which most of the equipment is provided by the ALS Society, relieving a bit of the burden off the family.

ALS is a drain on the caregivers physically, emotionally, and financially. In the beginning, our family was able to care for Auntie Cheryl, but her body deteriorated quickly ending with having to hire homecare. The sensory neurons in people living with ALS continue to function normally, meaning they continue to feel the sensations of hot, cold, discomfort, pain etc. The mind also often remains completely alert and lucid, a person living with ALS has a lively, unimpaired mind, but is trapped in a paralyzed body.

This was probably the hardest part for me, trying to have a conversation with her but not being able to understand what she was trying to say, as the muscles in her face, lips and tongue no longer worked. She did end up getting a voice box, where she was able to type what she wanted to say, and it would speak for her. Eventually she was unable to use it due to the loss of the muscles in her arms and fingers. It made me sad to see her lay in her bed unable to move or communicate, but still have the mind to want to be able to do things.

80% of ALS patients pass away within 2-5 years since diagnosis, although 10% have been known to live 10 years or longer. I am sad to say that Auntie Cheryl was among that 80%, as she passed away in hospital on October 13th, 2019. She fought hard to stay in her home for most of her illness, but in the end, it was just not medically possible.

My one wish would be that Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis would be words that no one had to hear.

Making it Possible - Eleonore Grafe

My mom Eleonore’s core motivating force was LOVE- and it was her love that has had a profound impact on the people and friends she met on her journey through life. She taught all of us to be caring, affectionate, forgiving, and empathetic towards others, especially those in need. Her persistent efforts to meet the needs of her family and friends was endless.

In November 2014, mom developed a left foot drop. It continued to the point of getting a brace for her left leg, and then she began having pain in her arms, fingers, and toes. We started her eventual diagnosis of ALS in 2015, meeting with Dr. Sudharsian, Neurologist, on an annual basis. Despite these appointments, mom continued caring for my dad at their home, driving her car and attending her many functions, which included volunteering at our local Dinner Theatre and attending her Liberal meetings.

2017 sent her a huge curve ball in life, as my dad ended up in an extended care hospital and it was time to clean out their home of 56 years and put up the For Sale sign. Mom was having difficulty walking and began using a walker, and moved into an assisted living apartment at Points West Living. There she met many people she knew as my mother knew everyone in Red Deer, and those that just met her loved her. She even participated in their radio/ newspaper advertising, and everyone recognized her voice on the radio. She was always busy participating in the events at PWL and continued her beloved Dinner Theatre.

2018 was the time she met a lovely man Rob, from the ALS Society, and she just raved about how pleasant he was. Rob introduced us to the ALS Clinic at the University of Alberta, and she and I made the trek to meet the ALS team. It was a very positive appointment and the team made every effort to accommodate Mom’s future needs. As her ALS progressed mom received her electric wheelchair through Rob at the ALS Society, and she was so happy to be independent with this chair. Every morning mom would be up dressed in matching outfit and have her make up on.

I know she struggled daily but she had a force for spreading good in the world and her legacy - this compelling force of good touched many lives. She lit up a room wherever she went with her beautiful smile and laugh. Sadly for all of us who loved her, mom passed away in her sleep, December 18, 2019; however, she is lighting our paths as we are walking, and this beautiful wonderful woman, has taught us to love and respect each other and most of all to never ever give up!

Making it Possible - Awesome Lemonade Stand

Making It Possible Day 26 – The Awesome Lemonade Stand

Over the past month, you have seen us post a few times about the little Lemonade Stand that could: The Awesome Lemonade Stand.

What started out as a small project for the Andreychuk family to honor their late friend Adam Rombough, ended up taking on a whole new life once Covid-19 changed the world we live in. Like many other events in Edmonton and around the world, they were going to take their Lemonade virtual!

The Andreychuk’s (Katherine, Kris, Claire, Adam & Elizabeth) didn’t let a pandemic stop them from raising awareness for ALS. This family spent hours baking (thanks to Baba!) the yummiest treats, brewing the tastiest lemonade, and packing them up in the most beautiful packaging you could imagine. But their work wasn’t done there, they made home deliveries to each person who requested a goodie bag.

Claire, Adam, Elizabeth, and Fam doubled their goal by bringing in more than $5000.00 for the Walk To End ALS in Edmonton. If that isn’t making it possible, we don’t know what is.

Making it Possible - Margaret (Peggy) Stairs

Peggy loved her friends, loved to socialize and have a fun time, all with a sparkle that no one could resist. She was always classy, impeccably dressed and had a lovely disposition. She truly left her mark with every person she touched.

In 2006, Peggy was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis. She faithfully attended the PLS support group in Calgary and considered the members as close friends, deeply appreciating their support, and giving support, through this difficult journey. She loved attending the group and valued the connection she had with each member. And not surprising, the group loved Peggy.

Peggy was born in Toronto and moved to Calgary as an adult, and it remained her home until her final 5 years in Victoria. The challenges Peggy faced as a child growing up prepared her to face life's challenges and to not just persevere but to triumph. She resolved to make the best of a situation and to seize the opportunities that presented themselves.

Peggy had her yellow belt in Judo, a pilot license for gliding, was intimately involved with the Canada Cup Sailing Challenge, and would have LOVED to had the chance to travel in space! She worked as an Executive Secretary for many years, a Realtor and owned All-Type Secretarial Services. When she was no longer able to work due to PLS she spent her winters in Puerto Vallarta. She loved the heat and had wonderful friendships in the ex-pat community.... some of her best memories!

She kept her dear friends close, one of those friends being Jean. For 31 years, Jean and Peggy had a very special mother-daughter type bond. They traveled together to Japan, Thailand, India & Nepal with wild and wonderful adventures that Peggy enjoyed reminiscing about.

As PLS started to take away Peggy’s independence, she didn’t allow it to take away her spirit. Peggy passed away on her birthday, March 5, 2019, with Jean by her side after celebrating her full life with champagne and her favorite chocolate cake. Peggy left a legacy to ensure we continue to “make life better” for our families.

Making it Possible - Peter Benders

It has been five years since Dr. Karla at the University of Alberta diagnosed me with ALS. Not knowing how bad this disease actually is and with the little knowledge I had about the disease, the first time I met with the ALS team at the UofA Kaye Edmonton Clinic, I was asked questions like can you still eat, breath, talk and look after yourself - then I knew what I was facing.

I’ve always had a love for motorcycles and the outdoors, which gave me the opportunity to see this beautiful country from the seat of a motorcycle and from the top of a mountain. Fortunately for me the progression of my ALS journey has been relatively slow. However, as a result of this disease I’ve had to step back and/or give up on being able to do the things that I love which has had a significant impact on my life.

With all of this in mind I would like to give a special thanks to the all of the people and support systems in my life who have had a significant impact on my journey with ALS, and continue to inspire me to be thankful for the life I have lived and to make the best of each day I have left. This includes: the ALS Society of Alberta; the ALS team at the UofA Kaye Edmonton Clinic and South Health Clinic; Edson, Cochrane, and Rockyview Homecare; and the support of Mikael Backlund with the Calgary Flames who made it possible for me and my family to go the Flames / LA game. Most importantly, I am thankful for the love of all my friends and family.

Making it Possible - Dream Casters Society

Today we're featuring another Society that truly "makes it possible" for families living with or affected by ALS along with other circumstances.

MISSION STATEMENT:
Dream Casters Society is dedicated to improving the lives of others by taking them fishing for a day! CAST a few smiles, CATCH a few fish, RELEASE their troubles, and ENJOY a day on the water."

When we met Barry earlier this year, we could see his passion for not only fishing but with putting a smile on other people's faces. Although Covod-19 has put a hold on fishing trips, for now, we hope to be able to work with Barry & Tom soon.

Making it Possible - John van Besouw

My husband, John, was diagnosed with ALS in May 2017 at the age of 50. Until then, John was very healthy and showed no signs of any kind of illness, so the diagnosis left us both shocked and, obviously, quite terrified about what lay ahead. We decided we could accept the diagnosis but we would not, under any circumstances, accept the prognosis, so we chose to hit the ground running in terms of what we could do, in our power, to have some kind of impact on this insidious disease. Despite our best efforts, John’s ALS was quite progressive and we required a lot of help.

After our first ALS Clinic visit, and connecting with the ALS Society, I think “relief” described how we both felt in terms of knowing we weren’t in this alone. Shortly thereafter, we were introduced to Rob Lognon who silently and in a totally non-obtrusive way, became part of our journey and lives. The physical/tangible assistance we received through Rob and the Society was something we never could have navigated through on our own and, thankfully, we didn’t have to. They did everything in terms of supplying us with all of the equipment needed and connecting us to the right people when they didn’t have the equipment on hand. We had everything we needed to make John as comfortable and to live as dignified as humanly possible. As much as we were grateful for the physical assistance, the emotional support Rob was able to provide to both John and I is something that will never be forgotten. John was moved to tears by Rob’s absolute down-to-earth kindness, his humour, and, quite simply, his company and presence.

John and I were blessed enough to have found each other 14 years ago and our story was an amazing one of unbreakable love, humour, strength and resilience. John and I had a summer wedding planned in 2017 but, after the diagnosis, we decided to put our plans on hold. A few months later, John’s sons and my daughters spoke with us about how important it was to them that we go ahead with the wedding. We were married, in my brother’s home with 50 close friends and family around us, on December 30, 2017.

John passed away on January 18, 2020. We believe that John didn’t lose his fight with ALS … he was released from it and is finally free. ALS robbed John of so much, but it never robbed him of his courage, perseverance, humour and his amazing grace. He was a beautiful man who will be missed more than words can convey by everyone he touched. Patty Blair

Making it Possible - Mandy Van Dresar

Making it Possible Day 20: Mandy Van Dresar

Previous WALK Coordinator, Mandy Van Dresar, has worked tirelessly to promote ALS awareness in her city. Before the WALK took place, it had already raised nearly $30,000 for client support services and research. Thank you to Mandy Van Dresar, her friends and family, for #MakingitPossible to host a Walk To End ALS in Grande Prairie. We know it wasn't easy, but your commitment and perseverance to the cause are so inspiring. We hope to be back in Grande Prairie soon with all of those ALS Warriors.

Making it Possible - Dennis Bernales

This is the story of Dennis Bernales, who was diagnosed with ALS in late 2017 and sadly passed away in July of 2019.

In his life, Dennis was strong, positive, and a person full of determination. You never saw a flicker of doubt nor an inkling of tears, he was the kind of man who did everything he could for his family. When he was diagnosed with ALS, perhaps he had the moment of doubt, wondering “why me?”, because he was still in his early 40s. He was so young and wanted to be with his family as much as he possibly could be, only to learn he was terminally ill.

But as the days flew by, the far-too-short months passed, he was still able to hold on with all his strength. Day by day he was slowly lifted up by family and friends that were with him every step of the way. In such a time, he made memories with many people including those at the ALS Society of Alberta, who were with him and his family every step of the way.

Thank you to the ALS Society for making it possible for him to continue on even while his days grew short.

Making it Possible - Lynette Forge

Lynette Forge, owner of Lynette’s Long Arm Quilting

Lynette’s husband Doug was diagnosed with ALS in February 2019, at that time he stated he wanted to work as long as possible as he enjoyed his job and its challenges.   Doug was also determined to remain independent and keep a positive outlook.

  Shortly after connecting with the ALS Society Doug and Lynette decided they would like to support those who were supporting them.

“I have been teaching quilting since 1988 and I have had the privilege of doing so in Canada, the USA, and England. I sometimes feel we are drowning in quilts, but then along comes another new pattern or idea.

The idea of donating quilts to the society for auction is an easy way to give back to the organization whose support we will continue to need, as this ALS journey continues.”

Making it Possible - ALS Society Board of Directors

Today for our Making it Possible series, we would like to recognize the dedicated members of the ALS Society of Alberta Board of Directors.

Thank you to the ALS Society Board of Directors, for leading the Society to provide the best possible supports for our families across Alberta and fund ground-breaking ALS research.

Nancy, Cathy, Tara, Gord, Heather, Jim and Kimberly give their expertise and valuable time to make each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS. They are a passionate group of people that come together to make a difference. All having been personally touched by ALS, their commitment to the cause is unwavering.

Together, they have made a difference on a provincial and national level to bring awareness to ALS and establish best practices for supports and services.

We are so thankful for their service – in the words of Margaret Mead…

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Making it Possible - Neil Bridge

Making it Possible, June 15 - Neil Bridge

First thing - I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a very supportive family and friends and lots of good memories. My wife is amazing, she puts up with me every day and supports me when I am having an off day. My two children and their partners have also been great. My four grandchildren are also involved. I have been able to get to most of my oldest grandson’s football games with help from my wife and his parents. My oldest granddaughter is a delight, she has excelled academically and is an amazing young woman. My two younger grandchildren are showing a lot of promise also.

I have a power wheelchair that the ALS Society of Alberta helped me acquire and I have stairlifts on loan from them. The ALS Society has been so supportive, I would not be as comfortable as I am without them. The support of Alberta Health is also quite remarkable. As I said, I have a lot to be thankful for. I try to be positive every day and show my appreciation for all that is being done for me, to be miserable and hard to live with is not in my DNA. That attitude has served me well. It is no one’s fault that I am sick.

My feeble attempt at poetry is:
I can't hear I can't walk
I can't see I can't talk
Other than that I'm in great shape.

Making it Possible - Pat Bechan

Day 16 of "Making It Possible" - Pat Bachen

Pat was diagnosed with ALS in November 2019 and he continues to live his best life possible as it shows in the creative and inventive work that he continues to do. Building his own Ipad holder out of pool noodles and always helping others if they need advice on “how to fix it.” Pat enjoys attending our current ALS Zoom Coffee groups as social support to connect with others. This is his truly amazing story:

I was born in France and came to Canada in 1952 with my parents. My parents wanted me to keep my first language so I went to College St-Jean when it was a high school. I started Electronics at N.A.I.T. in 1968 and graduated in 1972. These were the days when electronics were mostly calibrating instruments.

My first job was troubleshooting new televisions as they came off the assembly line at the Electrahome plant in Kitchener Ontario. I moved back to Edmonton in 1973 and was hired as an Avionics Technician for Pacific Western Airlines. This position originally was to cover for someone who was off on sick leave. In the end, I spent 9 years with them fixing aircraft and repairing equipment. I have some memorable trips to the far North when they were flying Hercules aircraft up there.

In 1981 PWA moved their maintenance operations to Vancouver. I decided to stay in Edmonton so I found a position at the General Hospital as a Biomedical Technician. In 1988 I was moved to The Grey Nuns Hospital just before opening and was challenged to get the place functioning. This involved not only the medical equipment but anything else that was electronic such as elevators, doors, and even parking gates. Four years later that was accomplished. It still works today.

In 1995 I was laid-off, so I went back to work in aviation for CAE. There I help to rebuild 50 CT-114s (2 Snowbirds) and worked on engineering the Hercules for warfare. In 1997 CAE lost the Hercules contract for servicing so I was laid-off again. That fall I was hired by an oilfield instrument company called Alberta Instrumentation. Within 2 months I invented an instrument that became the industry standard and safest world wide. I have designed all kinds of equipment that are still being used in the oil patch today. In 2006 I was granted a patent from Canada first, then the US for my invention.

In 2005 I started my own business to build and sell my patented device. Then I retired in late 2017.

Making it Possible - Gerry Frohnen

"Making It Possible" Day 14 - Gerry Frohnen

I was diagnosed with Kennedy’s in 2011 after having symptoms for so many years. I was very athletic when I was younger, and looking back and recognizing the progression of the disease has been very interesting.

I have always had a passion for music and was interested in Disc Jockeying in night clubs as many of my family members worked in nightclubs, so I was able to get a job doing what I loved.

I wrote my first poem at the age of 17 when my father passed away. I was sitting in the living room watching TV when words and ideas were coming into my head, so I asked my sister to write them down for me. That poem was called "Relationships"
.
I write poems from every emotion- whatever I’m feeling and what makes sense to me. When I was 30, I wrote a poem called "Thoughts Become" in memory of my relationship with my mother. This poem was then published.

I attend the ALS Society’s PLS and Kennedy’s Coffee Groups and decided to share this poem with the others.
I still enjoy making music and seeing the world through positivity

Making it Possible - Jason Louie

Jason Louie Jason recently joined our Kennedy’s/PLS Support Group, and is giving back to the community during the current COVID-19 crisis. We love his ingenious way of providing assistance to our frontline workers!

Since Covid-19 arrived in Alberta pretty much everyone has been impacted (myself included as I was required to work less hours).

I wanted to help out where I could given my new available hours, and as I've been 3D printing for about 2.5 years I figured I might be able to use this experience to help out. Unfortunately (and with good reason), 3D printed PPE requires meeting strict standards and regulations, and as such I hesitated printing items since I did not want to have printed items that weren't going to be used.

I found an opportunity on Facebook where a group was volunteering their time and resources sewing masks (Mask Makers YYC) for front line and other essential workers. There was a call out for any 3D printers for printing some Bias Tape Jigs, (a tool to help fold 2" strips of fabric over to make the straps for the masks). Several people from the Maker community started printing for the group, and I was able to contribute more than 20.

While printing the Bias Tape Jigs, the next opportunity presented itself when fellow Makers were discussing printing Ear Savers - a band that you hook the straps of face masks to relieve stress on the ears from prolonged wearing of masks. With workers required to wear masks for 8+ hour shifts many days at a time, this made sense and I dedicated my printing time to that. I reached out to others in the community and with the help of several key individuals we created a new group specifically for making the Ear Savers, (YYC Ear Savers). To date, I've printed nearly 2000 Ear Savers which have gone to staff in local hospitals, dental offices and extended care homes via the group and directly to staff.