A group of seamstresses working in direct provision centres have come together to make over 1,000 face masks a week to protect the vulnerable from Covid-19.
The Sanctuary Mask Initiative (SMI) is spearheaded by BetterTogether and the Cork Migrant Centre, with the support of the UCC University of Sanctuary, UCC Feminist and Fáilte Refugees Societies.
The SMI recruits women living in direct provision centres to produce hygiene masks to distribute to residence in direct provision, the elderly in nursing homes and other groups at risk.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Emma Otten of SMI said the initiative is having a “positive impact” on the women involved and those they help.
“The initiative is designed to harness the strengths of people living within the Direct Provision system and give them a purpose during the Covid-19 crisis,” she said
