FAQs
Sew
Click the menu For Sewists.
No, as we are a volunteer organization and do not have the funds to provide any kind of compensation.
We may be able to offer elastic (please contact us) or you can make 18” long ties from things like bias tape, a clean old t-shirt cut into strips, fabric, ribbon if it isn’t slippery (ends should be sealed), and bias binding.
Pre-made bias tape is getting harder to find. If you would like to try and make bias tape. This is a helpful video.
No, it is not required. Some mask patterns have a pocket for an optional filter. You do not need to provide the filter. It is up to the wearer to determine if they would like to add a filter if the mask allows for it. Some people are using paper towels, coffee filters, interfacing in the filter pocket. We do not know the efficacy of this practice.
We suggest several options:
- Complete this form to let us know.
- Drop off your finished projects with a Regional Coordinator or arrange a no-contact pick-up.
- We will distribute your projects free of charge within our community.
It is not a requirement, but we highly recommend it. Depending on your intended recipient, you may need to have two colours (e.g. hospitals for patient use). Check with the recipient’s requirements.
We highly recommend leaving an opening or selecting a design that allows for an optional filter (provided by the user). We will accept masks without a pocket opening, but it is not preferred by most requesters.
Drivers
No, as we are a volunteer organization and do not have the funds to provide any kind of compensation.
Yes, we will try to assign you deliveries that are close by. You’re always free to turn an assignment down.
No problem, just let us know when we contact you.
Buying Masks and Other Items
Sew for TO supports local businesses. If you are able, please consider purchasing a non-medical, reusable mask from small businesses based in Toronto. Find a list of vendors here.
Health and Safety
- No contact drop offs and pick ups
- Construction: Wash all material beforehand, wash them again after construction. Please wash before first use.
Homemade masks DO NOT protect from COVID-19
The best practice for COVID-19 protection is proper hand washing and social distancing
Our recommendations when using any of our handmade products are:
Watch the video below on how to safely remove your PPE.
Admin
We are run by a group of volunteers and are not able to respond on demand.
Yes, on a case by case basis. We will contact you to make arrangements.
We will do our best to reply within 2 business days of your inquiry.
Financial and Material Contributions
Please support our Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds to buy sewing materials.
As we are not a registered charity, we cannot issue a receipt for contribution of supplies, materials, or funds.
Yes. You can make a difference by supporting our efforts through our Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds to purchase production materials.
Yes. Please let us know what you would like to contribute by clicking here.
No. Sew for TO is a volunteer group and is not a registered charitable organization. We cannot issue receipts for any contributions.
Click here to find a non-extensive list of charitable organizations here. Please verify their registered charitable status prior to donating.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only.
Sew for TO is not a registered charity. Rather, it is a group of volunteers who have come together to assist the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we endeavour to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
While effort is made by our volunteers to ensure the quality of our products and services, in no event will we be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of or in connection with the use of this website. Should you choose to provide services to or accept services from Sew for TO, you do so at your own risk.
Items are made by volunteers and provided free of charge. These items must not be sold or bartered.
We do not charge for materials. To ensure a fair distribution of handmade goods within the community, recipients of materials are expected to use the materials provided to help meet Sew for TO’s community requests. Sew for TO will distribute finished projects on your behalf.
Materials
Sew for TO is a community volunteer organization and NOT a registered charity, therefore we cannot issue receipts of any kind.
Materials
We do not charge for materials. To ensure a fair distribution of handmade goods within the community, recipients of materials are expected to use the materials provided to help meet Sew for TO’s community requests. Sew for TO will distribute finished projects on your behalf.
Warning
- Handmade face masks are not replacements for PPE. Homemade masks DO NOT protect the wearer from contracting COVID-19.
- Before first use and after each use, wash all sewing materials, handmade items (masks, scrub caps, headbands, etc.) with soap and hot water. Dry on high heat.
- Do not microwave any items as a way of sanitizing it as this may cause fire and harm.
- Please KEEP DRY, CHANGE all products when WET
- Homemade products DO NOT replace any equipment approved by Health Canada, including, but not limited to, N95 masks.
- These masks do NOT treat or prevent the spread of COVID-19 or otherwise and are not to be used when working with infected people, unless they are used over top of a N95 mask.
- These masks are to be used only as a backup to frontline workers when they are faced with a shortage of personal protective equipment (“PPE”).
- The best practices for COVID-19 are social distancing and proper hand washing.
Orders
All requests must be submitted through the Request Masks & Other Items form. Due to high demand, we cannot guarantee that you will receive any items, items with the requested features or the quantity of items requested. You may be asked to verify your identity in order to validate your request for handmade items. Decisions on how and to whom handmade items are distributed are at the sole discretion of Sew for TO’s volunteers.
Reliable Resources by the Government of Canada
Please read Health Canada’s notice on the use of homemade masks for the general public and healthcare professionals.
For further advice and resources, please visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website.
This is a network of unpaid volunteers and everyone is doing their best to help, your patience is appreciated.