WAINFLEET BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF NON-MEDICAL GRADE MASKS IN THE COMMUNITY
The Township of Wainfleet, ON – With five million non-medical grade masks generously donated to the Niagara Health Foundation and Niagara Region by MedSup Canada on December 10, 2020; the masks have now been distributed to all 12 Niagara municipalities for distribution to the communities through local agencies.
Late last week, the Township picked up its allocation of 62,000 disposable masks from the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. The Township’s Emergency Control Group developed a plan that would see up to 32,000 of Wainfleet’s allocation being distributed to the broader Wainfleet community with the remaining 32,000 masks being reserved for municipal and future contingency uses.
“The first batch of masks started going out yesterday to local Wainfleet churches,” said Wainfleet Mayor Kevin Gibson, who was joined by Wainfleet Fire and Emergency Services Chaplain Brian Lofthouse. “We want to get these out right away to help support their services and community outreach over the Christmas holidays.”
The second phase of the roll-out will see the Township expand their partnership to include Wainfleet community service organizations and business locations early in the new year.
While most residents have adapted to the new normal; churches, community service groups and businesses have all been working hard to continue to provide services to residents while taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
Wainfleet CAO, William Kolasa emphasized the importance of these organizations during the pandemic. “The residents of Wainfleet have certainly felt the impacts of COVID-19 in 2020 and the connection with these groups in the community is more important than ever,” he said. “In this time of need, the Township wanted to share assistance with these pillars of the community.”
“This is a great opportunity to outreach to the community where we can pull together to help to keep our residents a little safer – especially those who might not have easy access to these masks,” said the Mayor.
The Township of Wainfleet gratefully acknowledges the generosity of MedSup Canada, the Niagara Health Foundation and Niagara Region for providing this opportunity for the Township to benefit the greater Wainfleet Community.
Following the initial deployment, eligible groups will be able to access additional masks as 2021 progresses, while supplies last.
