The Rotary Club of Nipissing has donated over 400 face shields to 11 nonprofit organizations around the city.
Kevin Smith, President of the club, says that the idea was born in the summer when he took over the role.
“I was desperately looking for projects to keep the membership involved and keep the community aware that we’re still trying to do things,” he recalled.
Smith says a member of the club worked for Canadore College’s ICAMP, who connected the Rotary Club to ProtectON in Corbeil who shifted into producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the pandemic.
“They were thrilled,” Smith explained when talking about his meeting with ProtectON. “They were looking for a community partner to help organizations within the community.”
The Rotary Club recognized that as health protocols began calling for PPE to be implemented everywhere, that nonprofit organizations might need some help.
“Once we started calling around, we realized there was a huge need,” Smith said.
The Rotary Club’s 28 members have been distributing ProtectON’s face shields around the city to organizations such as Hands Family Help Network, Nipissing Serenity Hospice and St. Andrews Church to name a few.
“The reaction from the organizations has just been fantastic. They’re so appreciative,” Smith noted.
Smith says that the face shield donations have provided a valuable opportunity to members of the Rotary Club.
“People join a service club to make a difference and get involved. This is an opportunity for them to do that in a safe way,” he explained.
And the response and willingness to help from everyone involved in the face shield donations is something that Smith believes is telling of the community.
“North Bay is incredibly good that way with businesses and service groups partnering together to get things done and I think that’s critical especially when we’re in an environment like this,” he said.
In addition to face shields being donated to nonprofits, they are also available for individual purchase through contacting the Rotary Club of Nipissing at [email protected].
