Staff at Classic Cleaners in south Red Deer are working hard to make masks that they're both donating and selling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

for the greater good

Classic Cleaners helping combat COVID-19 one mask at a time

Apr 20, 2020 | 4:35 PM

A Red Deer business is doing what it can to contribute to the greater good during the current period of crisis.

Classic Cleaners started last Monday on making face masks with the stockpiled cotton fabric they have on hand.

Approximately 1,000 masks have since been ordered or donated to agencies like the Red Deer Food Bank, the Mustard Seed and Women’s Outreach.

“We’ve been hearing that the mask supply has been so limited, that no one can find them, and we’ve even had people reach out from out of province,” says owner Shanna Soehn, who adds that her team is proud to be helping.

“We’re trying to balance 50/50 between orders and donations.

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Classic Cleaners originally laid off 11 of 12 staff, but brought back three to help with making the masks.

The masks come in various colours and have a pleated design so that they cover above the nose to under the chin.

Individuals can order one by emailing or calling Classic Cleaners at 403-347-5959. The masks cost $8 apiece and are machine washable.

“It probably takes, on average, five minutes to make one mask. We’ve gotten donations of fabric from people and our long-term customers have been super supportive in buying these masks,” says Soehn.

“We already had the resources to pull this off, but the other big part of this is we’re getting people back working, and we’re contributing to the local economy.”

Last week, the federal government made it a requirement for face masks to be worn during air travel.

During a briefing in Ottawa on April 6, Canada’s Chief Public Health Office, Dr. Theresa Tam, said, “Canadians can take this additional measure [wearing a mask] [in] instances where social distancing is difficult to maintain.”

She advised that medical-grade face masks should be reserved for health care professionals.

The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers information about masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.