This one of a series of articles, as part of the feature called "Helpers", which focuses on people and organizations that help make our community better.
This time we focus on the goodwill efforts of Aline Major, to help keep North Bay safer during the pandemic.
Like many of us, Aline Major was feeling stressed, and often found herself dwelling on the pandemic that had changed our lives virtually overnight.
"As we were adjusting to our new normal in the middle of March, my personal stress levels were high. Most of my days bounced between panic and feeling resigned," she explains.
Then she heard about masks and the need for masks, adding "Sewing masks made me feel better, it was therapeutic. It kept my mind and hands busy and made me feel like I was helping. When I’m not working, I’m at home sewing."
She started helping those folks she knew first, saying "At the beginning of April I started sewing masks to give away; first for my family and friends, and then for whoever else wanted them."
Once a few Facebook posts were shared, demand picked up and she's sewn and given away over 600 facemasks.
Major is quick to point out she is just one of many people helping this way. She says it is heartwarming to see that others had the very same idea she did.
When people are thankful and offer her anything for her masks she instead asks them to think of ways to give "I have had many individuals wanting to buy my masks. They are not for sale, they are for giveaway. I am suggesting instead, pay it forward. Donate time, money, supplies, food, to the many great causes helping others within our community like the Food Bank and The Gathering Place."
Major plans to do this for as long as she can, saying "I will keep making masks to give away until I run out of supplies or there’s no longer a need, whichever happens first."
The best way to reach Aline is through her mobile, call or message at 705-498-4060 or through her Facebook Page
