SUDBURY -- Volunteers at Sudbury Women's Centre have turned on their sewing machines and are busy working to help make 350 masks for those in need.

As the city moves towards Phase 3 reopening, masks are required in public spaces and on city transit. The centre knew this was a need that couldn't be ignored.

"We received a grant from RBC Foundation, which is giving us the opportunity to make masks for the community," said executive director Giulia Carpenter. "This grant we have is called 'Full Circle,' so it's just as the name states, our clients coming full circle. So our clients take our sewing circle that we offer here at the centre and they take the skills that they've learned and they bring it back out into the community."

Carpenter said the centre applied for the grant during the COVID-19 pandemic and was approved for $5,000.

"During COVID we've had a lot of different challenges," she said. "The centre was open in the sense that we were working from home so we were doing things a little differently."

"But now we're back ramped up as of last week, so we're doing things a little differently. (With) COVID, having a mask on will protect not only yourself, but everyone around you so it's the important item and it can be sewn."

She said the masks aren't just for physical health, but are also expected to help clients and volunteers with mental health, as well.

'It feels fantastic'

"It feels fantastic to be able to do this," said volunteer Kim Davis. "Especially because people that do know my story, I do suffer from chronic pain and I do suffer from PTSD, so doing this is actually part of my self-care. It's quite an honour to be able to do this and to be part of the women's centre and part of the (other) sewing team I am on."

"I love art and I love putting things together," she added. "So when you're putting things together you go in a different place. So it's very peaceful and very relaxing and just knowing that I'm helping … that's the biggest thing."

There are two ways clients can get a masks from the centre. Either they can pick up pre-made masks or they can pick up a package with all of the supplies.

"So as they say, it takes a village to raise a child, a family, an organization, a community ... so it does take a lot of people to work together to make the community a better place," said Carpenter.

The centre also received a video message from RBC Olympian Hayley Daniels providing some joy and hope as it navigates difficult times.

"We received that video message from her on the important work that we do here about women issues and how she felt empowered and strengthen by knowing what we're doing and this project that we're doing," said Carpenter. "I shared it with out team here -- now the team includes our staff, our volunteers and our students that we have -- and everyone was so touched. They were ecstatic that someone was contacting us from a different province here in Sudbury (for) the amazing work we're doing here."

Sudbury Women's Centre officially reopened its doors on July 6, however, it is by appointment only right now.