A shipment of protective masks has made the transatlantic journey to Philadelphia thanks to the skill and generosity of a Downings woman.
Kim Bradley, a special needs assistant at Letterkenny’s Educate Together, created the masks for her friend, Janice Barry, CEO and founder of the Pennsylvania Agency of Nurses.
Mrs Barry recently revealed how her organisation, like many in the USA, was struggling to procure personal protection equipment. On seeing the plight of staff, Kim Bradley sat down at her sewing machine in Ramelton where she now lives and began stitching.
The masks she made recently made the trip across the water and into the grateful hands of frontline workers within the Pennsylvania Agency of Nurses.
“Previously my hobby was sewing quilts and when the pandemic broke out I saw groups that had started making masks,” explained Kim.
“A friend of mine who has an underlying condition got in contact and I made her a few masks and then I got a call from a nurse friend of mine. So I started making masks for local health nurses and home helps. But then I saw Janice’s post on Facebook where she was having difficulty sourcing masks. I contacted her and asked if she wanted me to make her some,” said Kim.
Janice Barry is far from a stranger to Donegal. She owns a holiday home in Downings and for a number of years ran a busy craft shop in the seaside town.
“I’ve known Janice for quite a few years,” said Kim.
“As an artist I sold my work in her shop and then I worked in the shop for her. So I’ve known her for a while and she has always been very good to Downings and the local area. When she opened the shop it was all local people’s work on display. She has done a lot for Donegal and it was nice to be able to give her something back.”
Kim’s talents as a seamstress have not stopped at masks. She has also created protective headbands which make it easier for nurses to protect their eyes. As recently as Monday she dropped off a batch of equipment for those helping in the fight against the coronavirus.
The bandanas which Kim has cleverly crafted which make wearing a mask more comfortable, particularly when it comes to wearing eye protection.
Thanking Kim for helping out and protecting her team in Philadelphia, Janice Barry said the generosity was hugely appreciated.
“I keep in touch with Joy, Kim’s mother and through Joy, Kim learned about our challenges getting personal protective equipment for our nurses and home care workers,” said Janice.
“Kim reached out to me about the situation and shared she had made masks for nurses at Letterkenny hospital.
“I was thrilled and I spoke with her on a Friday. On Monday morning she posted our package. I was so thankful and thrilled to receive them I dashed up to our office, happy to be able to have them dispensed. Kim even individually wrapped each mask. I feel so fortunate to have such great friends over in Downings.”
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