Pat Lavigne Jr. says this is usually the busiest time of year for his family-run local business.
"Usually during this time of year is when our busy season is as everyone is starting to get their boats out and service on their canvas done," said Lavigne Jr.
But Lavigne Jr. says due to the COVID-19 crisis, their business was almost at a standstill.
The president of Lavigne's Canvas in North Bay decided they needed to adapt.
So instead of its traditional boat top making and upholstery work, Lavigne's Canvas has starting manufacturing and supplying PPE equipment.
"We are manufacturing face masks, face shields and protective service counter curtains," said Lavigne Jr.
"We network with a number of upholsterers across North America and a lot of us are trying to help out the communities due to the shortage of the PPE equipment so I found a few designs and developed our own designs for the masks. We are using a non-woven fabric that is water-resistant, so it is resistant against droplets so it won't soak up the moisture, it repels it."
Lavigne Jr. says the face shields are being made using the same vinyl material used to make their boat tops.
The local company is selling the products to citizens and area businesses. They already have a shipment of products set to go to Elliot Lake.
"We are a family business, we are honest business people and we want to help our community," said Lavigne Jr.
He notes that they have also been in touch with the North Bay Regional Health Center as the local Hospital Foundation has made a plea to local businesses to help them with their supply of PPE's.
Anyone interested in their products is asked to contact Pat Lavigne Jr. at [email protected]
